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Trail News

ATVs in State Forests?

11/28/2017

2 Comments

 
Rep. Matt Gabler has introduced HB 1883:
 
Here is his co-sponsorship memo:
I will soon be introducing legislation that will provide for the optional registration of Off-Highway Motorcycles or OHM’s, such as dirt bikes and dual sport motorcycles. 

OHM riding is and has been very popular in Pennsylvania. However, current law provides no means to insure OHM’s or provide legal access to trails on public lands.

This legislation that I will soon introduce will enable OHM owners to register their bikes with DCNR if they would like the ability to purchase insurance or seek access to public trails. The legislation will add OHMs to Chapter 77 of the Vehicle Code which currently regulates the use of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s).

Providing for the optional registration of OHMs in a similar manner as ATV’s and snowmobiles will provide the impetus to create more recreational and trail riding opportunities, jobs and economic growth in many areas of the Commonwealth. 

The revenues generated from OHM registrations will be used for OHM trail development and maintenance. 

With the passage of this program, the state's reputation will grow as a great place to go for this type of outdoor recreation. It is my belief that this program can be a significant boost for tourism in many rural counties.

In drafting this legislation, it has been my intention to create opportunities without creating additional mandates or requirements on citizens or recreational riders. This registration program is intended to be entirely voluntary based upon the desire of individual OHM owners to seek state registration on their bikes. Those who do not desire to participate would not be required to do so under this bill.


However, hidden deep within the bill is the following piece he doesn’t mention in his letter (emphasis added):
State forest land. --If a local authority designates a roadway within its jurisdiction as open for snowmobile, ATV or OHM use or a combination, and the roadway is adjacent to or adjoining State forest land, the department shall make roads and trails in that forest available for the use of vehicles regulated under this chapter.
 
Click HERE to find your local legislator and tell them what you think of this legislation.
2 Comments
Ed Lawrence
12/1/2017 06:14:24 am

ATV riders, backed by the industry, are relentless in their push to open up State Forest lands to motorized use, despite the known destruction that these vehicles cause and the conflicts they create with other forest users. The hiking community needs to push back against this type of proposed encroachment whenever legislation is introduced that would allow uncontrolled ATV use on public lands. Call your State Representative and tell them this section of the bill, page 23, 8 A.1 is unacceptable. We support ATVs having their own stand alone "riding parks" where they would not interfere with the recreational pursuits of the non-motorized majority of State Forest users

Reply
Mary Jo Rodgers
12/4/2017 12:57:01 pm

Consider it done!!!

Reply

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  • About
    • News >
      • Newfoundland 2024 Trip Report
      • Newsletter Archive
      • Meet PA Hikers
      • Trail Care Stories
    • Contact
    • About KTA
    • Work For KTA
    • Strategic Plan
    • Volunteer with KTA
    • Our People
    • Our Story
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Press
    • Multimedia
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Advocacy >
      • Kids Trail Ambassador Program
    • Donate >
      • Monthly Giving: Keep Trails Alive
      • Planned Giving: The Heritage Society
      • Giving for the Future: Endowment Fund
      • Hike to Give: 100-Mile Trail Challenge
    • Membership
    • Events >
      • KTA Philadelphia Group Hike
      • KTA Leave No Trace Level One Training
      • Wales 2025
      • Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend 2025 >
        • KHOW 2025 Program Lineup
      • 2026 St. John Trail Care >
        • 2026 St. John Lottery Interest Form
      • Backpacking for Beginners 2025
  • GET OUTDOORS
    • KTA Gear Loaner Program
    • Trails
    • Pennsylvania Hiking Trail Trailers
    • Maps
  • Trail Care Program
    • FAQs Trail Care
    • Report a Trail Issue
    • 2025 Weekday Trail Cares
    • #10 WRT
    • #11 CKT CO
    • #12 Pinchot
    • #13 BTP
    • #14 CKT CO
    • #15 GET
    • #16 CKT weekend
    • #17 2025 Trail Love ANF
    • #18 GPSP/MDTS
    • #19 CKT weekend
    • #20 A.T. section
    • Trail Love Events
    • KTA’s A.T. Section
  • Hiking Awards
  • Store
  • CLUBS
    • Hiking Clubs
    • KTA Grants-to-Clubs
    • Report Club Hours