UTV Access Studied
Recreational UTV riders will be gaining access to more trails around the nation, although the long-term future of such riding is still a question mark. Wisconsin and Minnesota are each allowing some UTV access to public trails.
Later this summer, Wisconsin is expected to start a pilot program in about a half dozen counties that would allow utility vehicles access to trails. The program will study the impact UTVs, which are often hundreds of pounds heavier than ATVs, have on trail systems. Minnesota recently passed a bill that allows utility vehicles on public lands “limited to forest roads, minimum maintenance roads and trails designated” for such vehicles.
The popular Hatfield McCoy trails in southern West Virginia also is allowing limited UTV use. The trail system has allowed UTVs for a 90-day period, which started on June 1, on its easiest trails.
A complete report regarding UTV recreational access will appear in an upcoming issue of Powersports Business magazine.