ATV’s. Most people call them all-terrain vehicles. I call them absolutely terrible vehicles. I think people would agree with me. These lawn mower engines with four wheels are owned by the most irresponsible drivers on the Kenai Peninsula, who have absolutely no respect for private property. Once again, I think many people would agree with me.
Last summer, I was driving down K-Beach Road in the middle of a perfectly calm and clear day. While approaching the intersection with Poppy Road, the visibility on the highway went to zero. Cars and trucks in both directions had to stop. The highway was virtually shutdown. I looked off to the side of the road to see an ATV, otherwise known as an absolutely terrible vehicle, being spun around in a dirt field, creating a huge dust cloud that covered K-Beach Road.
The cloud eventually disappeared, but not as quick as the ATV that fled down Poppy Road out of sight from any law enforcement. Fortunately, no car accidents were caused by this irresponsible use of an ATV.
This isn’t the only example I could talk about when it comes to the problems these machines cause for motorists, for homeowners, for people who spend thousands with landscaping and gardening in the summer time, and, even law enforcement. It’s easy to blame the cops for the out-of-control behavior created by these moto-cross-want-to-be’s, who have nothing better to do than destroy private property all day long and into the night.
So, why am I talking about the problem associated with ATV’s, when many are put up for the winter? The answer is simple. It’s time for the people to organize to get these ATV’s and their owners off of the roads and off of the rights-of-way of Alaska, before one more person dies because of them…..before one more person is injured because of them….before one more landowner’s yard is destroyed because of them. It is time to tell the State Legislature to put some more money in the Department of Public Safety’s budget, specifically tied to enforcing the laws already on the books about these ATV’s. Let’s put some troopers on some ATV’s, and follow these drivers who probably don’t even have a license to drive. Let’s get the irresponsible ATV drivers off of the road, starting this summer.
Think About It–JDN
15 Comments to “ATV’s. I call them absolutely terrible vehicles.”
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I agree 100% anyone caught tearing up someone elses property should be banned from these type vehicles for ever and forced to pay for the damage. Sad part of it is it is not only the young people I also see 50 year old men doing the same thing. As usual a few of these idiots will eventually ruin it for everyone so my advice to you 4 wheeler riders you better get those that are giving all of you a bad name under control. I promise you you will not destroy my property like you have others!
I see dirt bikes doing the same damage. Lets ban motorized boats on the Kenai river, look at the damage that they do. Lets have the state or borough water the sides of the road to eliminate the dust that appears to hamper your driving ability. How about snowmobiles? Horses? How about those school buses that hold up traffic a long the Sterling highway, lets ban them too………….I am against anyone damaging private property. If they are only on the side of the road, SUCK IT UP AND DRIVE ON!!!!!!!!
Just another case of having the government take care of us.
We dont need any more laws than are already on the books.
I agree if someone is tearing up property, then they should pay for the damages.
Lets not ban the ATVs just because you drive a Subaru.
swb is right,,, you want to owtlaw,,, when punishment for the wrong doer is appropriate,90% of the riders are respectful,how bout we outlaw guns,because of the idiots that missuse them, THAT is WRONG,this is one of the few free states left .DO not bring your lower 48 way of thinking here
There are far more things for our Law Enforcement to be taking care of than jumping on a 4-Wheeler and chasing the wrong-doers down. The ones that I have seen out riding, are kids riding before their parents get home and are not aware of the problem or don’t care. People need to be respectful of others property and go around, not tear it up and go. There is many other places to ride that is more suitable for the needs out of the residental areas. You can’t stop the dust rolling by when someone is riding in the ditch, just like you can’t stop the snow blowing accross the road. Slow down and be careful. Don’t BAN, just be respectful and responsible. I enjoy 4-wheelers, snowmachines, bike riding, walking and running. I was born and raised here in Soldotna, AK and this is why I am still here.
I am an avid ATV rider. I enjoy taking my kids on rides and exploring new territory. By exploring new territory I do not mean running over trees, driving through peoples yards, or causing any sort of disturbance. I drive the sides of the roads slowly and cautiously. I slow down, and stop at every road crossing. I do not cause enormous clouds of dust behind me. I intend on teaching my kids how to ride respectfully and carefully and I hope each an every other person teaches their kids, and friends alike the same so griping residents don’t ruin ATV riding for all of us in Alaska. The land we live on and play on are privileges!!!
I have been riding off road vehicles since i can remember my first time was on a 50 Honda minnie bike. The problem I see is letting children ride these bikes with out adult care or concern. Hey lets get the kid a ATV and get them out of our hair. They should be watched by the parent till they are at least 18 and not just a adult . I was taught that what ever I drive no matter what were a Helmet and You Only Want To Go As Fast As You Want To Hit . Its worked for me.
ATV’s, motorbikes, horses, baseball bats, sleds, guns do not cause the problem. Responsible people are not the problem either.
Think about it!
So, what does one do about the Disrespectful People that not only ride their snowmachines in town(where it is Illegal) but do so on Someone Else’s Property. Do the police Really Need to Be Called. And when they are called, why is a citation not issued. Ignorance is No Excuse of the Law. But if I say anything to the abovementioned crossing my property, most likely I will be arrested because they Feel Threatened. All I have to say is if you cross my property Illegally in any manner I will feel threatened and act accordingly. Fear of Recourse has to start somewhere as it seems there is No Respect much less Self Respect left these days.
DKOVE, if it really is only 10 percent of the people causing the problems then I dont see why you would be worried about the other 90 percent unless you are one of the forementioned. Puting it simpler, if you are not doing anything wrong then the laws werent written to Control You.
I agree with the Absolutely Terrible Vehical comment, I have had alot of problems with riders on my property. I am discusted when I drive down any road on the peninsula and instead of seeing the beauty of Alaskan wildflowers, I see a mud hole caused by ATV’s. I have lived here 25 years and never noticed a real problem until the last 5 years. It seems to get worse every year. I’m all for freedom but disrespect for others is a no go with me. I feel bad for the troopers that are called over and over about the same offenders. Drivers Liscense and Insursance should be a must and strictly inforced.
Let’s license drivers of atvs and license the atvs themselves so that it is easier to identify any that do damage. Think about it, if you think there’s a way that someone can identify you and turn you in then maybe you will be less likely to do damage or ride irresponsibly. At least in the public eye. Twice I’ve seen very young children drive along the bike path in front of KSRM on mini snowmachines while no adults are to be seen supervising them. WHERE ARE THE PARENTS?!
have no problem with atv’s, snow machines, or motorcycles driving around alaska,I grew up riding all these,it is sad a few make a bad name for a majority of law abiding riders, plenty of laws already on the books for the FEW that cause problems, there are ppl who want to BAN this activity, that i am Totally against! I have had kids come through my yard and mess it up, but i have stopped them and asked them not to go through my yard,and most are polite and comply,,i think there alot of WHINERS, and complainers that dont remember what it is to be a KID, WE all live in AMERICA, LAND of the FREE,and i tell u alaska is truely one of the last states still free.and by the way i have a three wheeler my kids ride it around and it brings a smille too my face to see them happy having fun
you old and crotchity whiners go back to california
I have been riding ATVs since i was 3 and I would rather my kids be riding them then doing drugs and getting in big trouble. The police have to much to worry about. If you have a problum then call it in right then and there don’t wreck the fun for everyone else. Riding is one thing that my family does almost every weekend. If you take that away in this small town what do you think will happen? Just think about it next time you try to wreck the fun for those people that aren’t doing anything wrong! Would you rather have people that own ATVs living next to you or drug addicts with traffic 24/7?
I’m am “OF” like many of the whinners, but I don’t agree with them. The riders I’ve seen are riding in the ditches or on highway right-of-way. I know alot of homeowners like landscape this area, but it is right-of-way.