Re: ATVs on city streets: At the request of South Bruce Peninsula ATV club Owen Sound council voted to allow all terrain vehicles on Owen Sound city streets. This was done without any input from the taxpayers of Owen Sound. Why was the interest of ATVers put before the interests of Owen Sound taxpayers? This decision is contrary to Owen Sound Strategic Plan 3.4.2 which states as its goal protection of the environment; it discourages pedestrians and cyclists; increases air and noise pollution; will be difficult and expensive to enforce; puts the pleasure of a few against the consternation of many; and will have a negativeeconomic effect on the taxpayers of Owen Sound.
Maureen Handley, director of Health Promotion Grey Bruce Health Unit, states that with increase of ATVs on public roads will come more injuries.
Owen Sound City Council needs to rethink their decision to allow ATVs on Owen Sound city streets.
S. MacMahon
Owen Sound
More details supplied by the writer:
1) 2015 Owen Sound Strategic Plan section 3.4.2
"Where do we want to go?
Goal Statement: We will continue to ensure environmental integrity is maintained in Owen Sound and the surrounding area by protecting our environment and natural assets. We will protect, preserve, maintain and enhance Owen Sound's scenic and natural heritage, and we will do so by using resources wisely, cooperating with adjoining communities and agencies, and taking responsibility for city actions."
2) ATVs on streets discourage pedestrians and cyclists; persons who are walking or cycling may be travelling to work choosing a healthy alternative to driving. Owen Sound should be encouraging walking and cycling on city streets; walking and cycling on the streets of Owen Sound is often a dangerous enough occupation due to no designated bike lanes, traffic lights that are pedestrian unfriendly, cars making right hand turns without stopping for pedestrians, vehicles driving through puddles after rain or snow thaw splashing sidewalk pedestrians - ATVs will be one more element on Owen Sound streets that discourages a healthy lifestyle
3) ATVs on city streets do not enhance the city, bringing increased air and noise pollution. Noise is one of the classic irritants that drive neighbours crazy and has a significant health impact. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture states : "sound levels of common activities one metre from the source: 80 decibels: curbside of busy road; 100 decibels: chainsaw, circular saw, ATV. "
4) The rate of obesity in Grey-Bruce is 59%, significantly higher than Ontario and Canada. Grey-Bruce has higher Emergency Room visits with motor vehicle crashes being 43% higher.; increased use of motorized vehicles on city streets should discouraged rather than encouraged.
5) ATVs do not come equipped with horns or turn signals; minimum liability insurance is only $200,000. Does the City of Owen Sound need to secure insurance to cover ATVs on city streets? Will city taxes be reduced for residences on the streets where ATVs are proposing to travel?
6) RCMP in numerous jurisdictions state that it is difficult to catch ATVs that break the law. Deputy Police Chief of Stratford, Ontario states: ATVs on city streets are not an enhancing feature for the city, benefits are few while causing consternation for many and enforcement is problematic.
7) Problems that have occurred with ATVs on city streets are driving on sidewalks, not stopping at stop signs, not signaling, racing and stunt driving, increased litter, noise complaints, not adhering to by-law hours. RCMP in eastern New Brunswick say they are struggling to contain a growing number of off-road riders who use the roads for stunts and races. RCMP said it is difficult to catch offenders.
8) Maureen Handley, director of health promotion with the Grey Bruce Health Unit, has stated that with increase in ATVs on public roads will come more injuries. She noted in a presentation to West Grey council that between 1997-98 and 2001-02 the number of trauma hospitalizations in Ontario due to ATV accidents increased 45.6% from 417 to 607, an annual increase of 10.2%.
"The ATV has its purpose but it's not a type of vehicle that has been built for use on our roadways . . . manufacturers and consumer groups have indicated these vehicles were not structured and built for the roadways. They were built for off-road activity," said Handley.
