To boost local economy, ATVs allowed on Tomahawk roads

[Bucky Badger]

TOMAHAWK, Wis -- Motorists within city limits will now share some city roads with ATV riders.
Last month, city officials approved a measure that allows the all-terrain vehicles within city limits. In the past few weeks, officials installed road signs that alert motorists to look for ATV riders.
Mike Tolvstad, director of public works for the city of Tomahawk, said the change in regulation is an effort by officials to provide a boost to the economy here.
In the past, ATV riders were limited to ATVtrails, which kept them away from local businesses, Tolvstad said.
One local restaurant owner said many people are not yet aware of the new provision, particularly tourists who vacation in the Northwoods. He's eager for ATV riders to use the new designated ATV city trail to access downtown.
"People are just starting to learn the (new ATV) trail," said Bill Schulz, co-owner for the Pine Tree Supper Club, a restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue. "We're really looking forward to next year when people from down south come up and visit the trails."
Schulz's brother Fred Schulz, who also co-owns the restaurant, already is taking advantage of the new ordinance. He has driven his ATV to the restaurant nearly every day since the measure was approved.
ATV drivers now can come into town on Mohawk Drive, Leather Avenue, Theller Drive and Kaphaem Road.
Phil Rausch, president for the Somo Area ATV Club, said he helped draft the map, which is intended to provide an access point into the city from local ATV trails such as the Harrison Hills ATV Trail.
But the new law comes with restrictions, Rausch said.
ATV riders are not allowed to use Wisconsin, South Tomahawk or East Somo avenues, but can access the downtown restaurants by riding on the alleys, Rausch said.
"It's a means of getting from point A to point B," Rausch said. "It's going to help bring business because now (riders) can stay at the hotels and ride again in the morning."

[Wyldlander]

Slowly the gov't officials are seeing the light. Here in Tn they are finally getting some new ohv areas and the option to allow atv riders on the city streets( around ohv areas). If you build it and allow access, they will come.

[SmokeyMcBong]

its always great when you can ride on the roads. where i ride it is very relaxed. most streets are open to atv's and the fuzz doesn't bother you if youre where your not really supposed to be (like running up the non atv street to the beer store lol)

[Big Papa]

I wonder why there has been such opposition to allowing ATVs in towns? Particualiry areas in the northern states. You would think that they could see how snowmobilers have basically MADE the economy for some smaller and midsize towns.

Sure fishermen and campers have helped too but as a former snowmobiler I can tell you this, we were literally dropping $100 bills along the trails in the Northwoods. Between gas, lodging, food and beer we probably kept some businesses afloat. When any local establishment is accessible to everyone, it will be better off.

I remember one particular resort owner in St Germain WI telling a group of us that he made practically all his money for the year in the period between Dec and Mar. With access for ATVs, things could only get better.

Just my

[Badride]

Govenor Haslam signed it into law in Tennesse but Huntsville (Brimstone) is the only town that is starting to take advantage of it. Oliver Springs (Windrock) is another story. One of the bussiness owners (Windmill Inn) is also on the city commision and is trying to get enough support through the Oliver Springs Bussiness Orginazation to at least have a vote on it. But it needs 2/3 to pass and they have some VERY stubborn people that HATE the ATVs anyway and I am not sure if they will ever pass it.

[Bucky Badger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Papa

I remember one particular resort owner in St Germain WI telling a group of us that he made practically all his money for the year in the period between Dec and Mar. With access for ATVs, things could only get better.

Just my

Interesting you mention St. Germain. Vilas County, Wis is very anti ATV.
Do Vilas County citizens want ATV takeover?

[Big Papa]

^^^^That is a bunch of BS in that article. Shes probably into hiking and cross country sking. That entire area is a snowmobiling haven. Been to Presque Isle hundreds of times, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Star Lake, Sayner all of them. Snowmobiles everywhere in the winter. Eagle River sucks because there are TOO many snomobilers there.

No one is complaining about that because thats where the money is.

ATVs are different though, you usually don't ride bar to bar, town to town. You just can't cover as much ground as you can on a sled. I don't think it is possible to do a 250 mile day on a quad. At least not for me.

On a 4 wheeler, I think most people would pack up some gear, food and drinks and head out for the day, they're not going to be bothering people near towns.

I realize that during the winter your home's windows are closed so you're probably not hearing or at least aren't being blasted by sleds and there is a possibility that the sound of ATVs would get annoying during the other 3 seasons if people have windows open.(another good reason to keep your exhaust stock btw) Speed limits and decible checks by the DNR would keepp that from being an issue.

Just my

[christisk]

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Papa

^^^^That is a bunch of BS in that article. Shes probably into hiking and cross country sking. That entire area is a snowmobiling haven. Been to Presque Isle hundreds of times, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Star Lake, Sayner all of them. Snowmobiles everywhere in the winter. Eagle River sucks because there are TOO many snomobilers there.

No one is complaining about that because thats where the money is.

ATVs are different though, you usually don't ride bar to bar, town to town. You just can't cover as much ground as you can on a sled. I don't think it is possible to do a 250 mile day on a quad. At least not for me.

On a 4 wheeler, I think most people would pack up some gear, food and drinks and head out for the day, they're not going to be bothering people near towns.

I realize that during the winter your home's windows are closed so you're probably not hearing or at least aren't being blasted by sleds and there is a possibility that the sound of ATVs would get annoying during the other 3 seasons if people have windows open.(another good reason to keep your exhaust stock btw) Speed limits and decible checks by the DNR would keepp that from being an issue.

Just my

Right on Brotha, C'mon truth

[Wyldlander]

Here in the south, we don't have enough snow to accomodate any kind of sled, so it's riding atv's all year long. Eventually the city or town governments will see the ammount of money they are losing to other states that allow atvs on the public roads. There will be opposition though, since maybe 1% of the riders out there give the rest of us a bad name. Here in TN it ia already legal for UTVs to ride the public roads( as long as they are tagged, turnsignals, seat belts and a windshield) and also that they stay on 45 mph or less roads. I wish they would make it legal here where i live. Would love to be able to put street tires on mine and ride it into work somedays.

[christisk]

SxS are legal here with the right accommodations as well.