Effort Underway to Educate People on ATV Connector Use
BERLIN — As the city continues to attract
growing numbers of ATVs enthusiasts from across New England, use of the ATV
connector trail through Berlin is also increasing. Police and local ATV
enthusiasts are now working to make sure both riders and drivers understand the
proper rules of the road.
First, ATVs are limited to traveling on the designed connector trail which is
marked. ATV's are not allowed on city roads other than the connector trail which
joins trail systems at Success with those at Jericho Mountain State Park Police
Chief Peter Morency and Deputy Chief Brian Valerino said riders can not ride
their ATVs from their houses to the trail. They are required to walk or
transport their ATV by trailer to the trail.
Once on the connector trail, ATV riders must follow the rules of traffic and
travel on the roadway. The two police officers said some ATV riders as well as
motor vehicle drivers have the mistaken idea ATVs are suppose to travel on the
side of the road.
Morency said that is incorrect. ATVs should stay on the travel portion of the
road. “They need to understand they are part of traffic,” said Rep. Paul
Ingersoll, who has worked on ATV issues in Concord. Furthermore, vehicles should
not try and go around ATVs traveling on the connector trail. Drivers who do can
be cited for making an illegal pass. “A motorist can not pass an ATV in front
even if the ATV is going slow,” Morency said.
Except for a small section, the maximum speed on the connector trail is 25 mph.
An ATV can easily maintain that speed with some machines able to reach speeds of
60 mph. The newer ATVs come equipped with directional signals but on those ATVs
without signals, drivers must use hand signals to indicate a turn.
To operate an ATV, drivers 16 and over must have a valid drivers license or a
safety certifi cate. Drivers 12 to 16 years of age can drive on the connector
trail accompanied by a parent or adult as long as they have a safety certifi
cate. No one under 12 years of age is allow to operate on the connector trail.
Anyone with a suspended drivers license can not operate an ATV.
Ingersoll said he thinks the first year of the connector trail has gone well.
Both Valerino and City Councilor Tim Cayer stressed ATVs riding on city roads is
still new and urged the public to be patient while everyone adjusts to the new
trail.
“I have seen great progress since the trail opening and the benefits of having
the connector trail are beginning to far outweigh concerns that were initially
brought up,” said Cayer. Cayer and Ingersoll said they see the the effort to
attract ATVers to the Androscoggin Valley as a way to stimulate the local
economy.
Ingersoll said the average ATV enthusiast has $60,000 to $80,000 invested in the
sport. He said they are the type of people with money to spend at area stores
and restaurants. Ingersoll said the recent ATV festival held at Jericho Mountain
State Park has increased attention on ATV riding here.
“I think we’re on the verge of a gold mine,” he said. Both Cayer and Ingersoll
credit the police department for its support of the trail and the work it is
doing educating the public. Cayer said the trail would not be possible without
the department’s support. “We’re learning as we go along,’ said Chief Morency.