WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — The Wisconsin Rapids City Council is going to give final consideration to an ordinance that would allow ATV and UTV riders to operate on city streets.
Mayor Shane Blaser says ATV and UTV trips have become a form of tourism dollars for some communities, and he’s hoping that Rapids can cash in as well.
“I know a lot of families that get together on a weekend to go on a family ride. They go get dinner, drive to other communities,” said Blaser. “It is absolutely worth trying. If it’s a problem, then we address the problem down the road or we can unring the bell.”
Blaser says some impact studies have shown that ATV and UTV riding adds nearly $1 billion to the state economy annually. He says he’s been in contact with a local user group as well to discuss the issue.
Vehicles would be allowed on most city streets but would be prohibited from operating along roads that double as state highways. He says that goes along with similar measures that have been implemented in other communities and state statutes.
Blaser notes that allowing the vehicles to operate in city limits would open a river crossing on some routes. Currently, riders must swing through Nekoosa if they want to get from one side to the other.
Other topics Blaser discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- budget process
3:30- leaf pickup
6:20- dog park name
10:30- ATV/UTV ordinance
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