Shall We Cut Our Own Throats?

Opinion by Dan Nitzel

          After about 15 years of effort, new trails and parks are finally beginning to become a reality in Nebraska!  Now comes a more difficult job for us to tackle.  How are these parks going to be managed and what will be the riding rules for these parks and trails?

          There will be a lot at stake for the parks and the future of new parks in Nebraska.  In order to insure that the new areas “stay open” after they open, noise, safety and rider conduct will need to carefully studied.  Our recommendations will need to examine the anticipated demands of local neighbors, law enforcement and medical responders.  We may need to make some difficult decisions concerning how these parks will be run. 

          Before the new ATV and dirtbike parks near Deshler/Hebron are to open, rules of use at these areas will need to be hammered out.  Rules that other states use at their parks will most likely be used as examples, but there will be room for input from the land managers of these projects from NOHVA and local enthusiasts.  We may have to make suggestions that could be un-popular concerning helmets, pipes, children on adult machines and ridding double or triple on ATVs. 

          The rules set at these two new parks will most likely be used as the standard for other new parks in Nebraska.  There is a chance that the rules adopted at these parks could filter down to existing parks at Headworks near Genoa and at Sutherland.            

          Here is a sampling of questions to be answered.

          Excessive noise from ATVs and dirtbikes is with out a doubt the biggest threat to the future of the sport.  Areas all across the country are being closed because of rising noise levels from ATVs and dirtbikes.  The newer four strokes when modified are usually very noisy.  Additionally, most sport riders have after market exhausts or altered stock exhausts on their machines.  Riders mistakenly think that a loud machine means more power.  How will noise be addressed at these new areas?  Shall we suggest a db (noise)  limit?  What about spark arrestors?

Safety and the prevention of injuries will need to be addressed.  It’s a proven fact that helmets and other safety gear reduce injuries and fatalities.  Should helmet use and other safety gear be required, or simply requested?

Generally, ATVs are designed for safe use by only one person unless they own one of the newer two rider machines.  Will people be allowed to ride double or more on machines specifically designed for one person?

Over the last couple of years, there has been a huge increase of injuries to children under the age of 16 using adult sized ATVs.  Will children be allowed to ride at parks and trails on adult sized machines?  Will children under the age of 16 need to be under the direct supervision of an adult while riding ATVs and dirtbikes? 

Most accidents that occur to adults on ATVs and dirtbike involve riders using alcohol.  Will alcohol use be allowed at these trails and parks?

Are you interested in providing input to these questions?  We will talk about them at our annual meeting.  Join us and let us know what you think.

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This page was updated on Thursday, February 22, 2007