Illinois

Mary Baskerville

BRAIDWOOD -- Residents united Tuesday night to oppose a proposed ordinance that would have regulated the use of all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and off-road motorcycles.

At issue were the more than 100 complaint calls investigated by Braidwood police in June, July and August.

Kevin Ryden

Richland County Board discussed the possibility of creating an ordinance to allow all-terrain vehicles on county roadways during its monthly meeting Thursday.

Attorney Jon Racklin said that as of Jan. 1, local governments can now set their own rules on licensing off-road vehicles and allow them to be operated on local roads. Racklin said he has been approached by many people regarding the issue and is willing to help the county create an ordinance, which he believes could help generate some revenue for the county.

Matthew Barker

Local dirt bike and all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts are used to adrenaline-fueled rides through wooded trails and on motocross trails, but nothing gets their hearts pumping quite like having a state legislator propose taking away their ability to ride.

“I have a problem with the government legislating common sense,” Gerhard Ward of rural Mendota said.

The city of Abingdon has had recent problems with all-terrain vehicles driving through residents' yards and through the boulevard, but the off-road vehicles have also proven to be helpful and that could prompt the city council to change its ordinance.



The city council Tuesday night discussed a state law that essentially bans off-road vehicles like four-wheelers, ATVs, snowmobiles and others that travel faster than 20 miles per hour from city streets. City Attorney Jack Ball told the aldermen the city's ordinance is in line with the state law. 



A MAN wanted in Marshall County was taken into custody by Morris police about 2:35 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8.

Gregory Welsh, 19, 33 Cedar, Minooka, was unable to post bond and was held in the county jail for a deputy from Marshall County to pick him up.

Marissa Alter

ROCKFORD (WREX) - ATV riders who break the law in Rockford could face steep fines and temporarily lose their vehicles. Tonight the Codes and Regulations Committee voted to change Rockford's noise ordinance, which covers loud cars, to include ATVs. That means violators will have their ATVs impounded and be fined if caught. The proposal follows an incident last month when a Rockford man was hit by an ATV.

It's been five weeks since a run-in with some ATV riders left Jerry Haiman's leg broken in three places.

Alice Barr

Several Rockford aldermen are outraged over what they call dangerous behavior among some local all-terrain vehicle drivers. Monday night a city council committee moved closer to tightening punishments for those who misuse their ATVs.

"These are right through people's yards. I mean here's my yard and you can see where they come right through, they have no respect for anybody's property." Rockford 6th Ward Alderman Lenny Jacobson points out tread marks he says ATV riders leave behind when they tear through his yard. But Jacobson says some ATV riders are leaving much more serious damage behind.

Jeff Kolkey

ROCKFORD — Jerry Haiman had had enough of the noise and the blatant disregard for neighborhood safety when he marched across his front yard to confront a trio of all-terrain vehicle riders tearing up the 3000 block of Seventh Street on Saturday afternoon.

What had been a neighborhood nuisance quickly became something else: One of the riders ran the 50-year-old Haiman down in his yard, breaking his left knee.

GENEVA – Forest preserve officials are reminding those who illegally operate all-terrain vehicles will be cited.

Forest Preserve District police have recently made arrests and cited ATV drivers who have left the road and driven in protected areas, causing damage in forest preserves.

Damage from ATVs in forest preserves includes destruction of plants, flowers and wildlife, according to Drew Ullberg, director of natural resources.