Last week, four Vermont towns took up the growing debate over allowing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on town roads, with two towns voting in favor of developing or expanding ATV ordinances and two rejecting such measures.
On Town Meeting Day, the towns of Fletcher, Highgate, Orwell, and Danby addressed the issue, reflecting an ongoing discussion in Vermont’s rural communities. The question at hand: To what extent should ATVs be permitted on town roads?
The votes, though advisory in nature, underscore a long-running and often contentious debate. While state law prohibits ATVs on highways and state roads, many towns have opened local roads to ATV use.
Growing Interest in ATV Access
Tommy O’Connor, executive director of the nonprofit Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association, noted that ATV ridership increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for people to safely socialize. He also highlighted national industry growth, expanded trail networks, and rising membership numbers. The association oversees approximately 1,000 miles of trails, primarily on private land, and has 5,700 members across 24 clubs.
No comprehensive list exists of towns permitting ATV access, and the association does not map open roads. Instead, it leaves individual towns to communicate their regulations.
While the association does not advocate for or against ATV road access, it serves as a resource for towns considering the issue.
Arguments on Both Sides
Proponents of allowing ATVs on town roads argue that access would help link trail networks, provide economic benefits by driving business to local establishments, and potentially reduce illegal riding. Some also assert that ATV owners, as taxpayers, should have the same rights to road access as other vehicle users.
Opponents cite concerns over noise, safety, speeding, increased traffic, illegal use, and the potential need for greater law enforcement presence.
Town Meeting Day Results
In Franklin County, where some towns have already permitted ATV access in recent years, Fletcher and Highgate addressed the issue, as did Orwell in Addison County and Danby in Rutland County.
- Fletcher voters rejected ATV road access, with 159 in favor and 242 opposed. O’Connor praised the town’s approach, which included a dedicated committee conducting research and holding an informational meeting.
- Highgate had previously allowed ATV use on specific connecting roads. Voters approved a petitioned ballot item to expand access to all town roads, passing it 270 to 219. While non-binding, prior selectboard discussions indicated support for the change.
- Orwell residents narrowly approved an advisory ballot measure (182 to 169) asking whether the town should develop an ordinance for recreational ATV use on local roads.
- Danby overwhelmingly voted against advising the selectboard to create an ordinance, with 301 opposed and 158 in favor.
Looking Ahead
Even in towns where ATV road access was rejected, O’Connor anticipates continued discussion and future votes on the matter. He encouraged patience, advising communities to allow time for decisions to settle before revisiting the issue.
“When the vote happens, let it sit; relax a little bit,” he said. “Just let things settle and get through it all.”