Pennsylvania community bans dirt bikes, ATVs

Law Became Effective In November

The Mill Hall, Pa., Borough Council on Oct. 24 banned dirt bike and ATV riding.

The ban also covers the use of motor scooters, mopeds, snowmobiles and other recreational motorized vehicles, according to news reports.

The ban applies to all use, whether on public streets or private property.

Local news outlet www.lockhaven.com reports that the ban appears to be the result of an ongoing feud between two neighbors, who have filed a series of complaints against each other.

Under the ban, the fine for the first offense is $50 to $300. Subsequent offenses carry fines of $100 to $500.

Not affected by the ban are lawn care and snow removal equipment, commercial and emergency equipment and vehicles used in borough-sanctioned events.

Mill Hall is about 100 miles north of Harrisburg, Pa.

Wisconsin OKs ATV, dirt bike trails in state forest

Move Marks Major Shift In Policy

On Oct. 25, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approved the use of ATVs and dirt bikes in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, acknowledging the growing popularity of responsible off-highway recreation.

The board approved the use of 205 miles of existing forest roads for use by ATVs and UTVs, development of 36 miles of motorcycle trails and additional trails for hiking and bicycling. The same board approved a master plan in 2005 that prohibited ATV use, citing the potential for excessive noise and damage.

According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, state officials noted that communities adjacent to the 232,000-acre forest allow ATVs on roadways and area businesses support expanded access to the public land.

A 2015 state law also required the Department of Natural Resources to plan for motorized recreation on land controlled by the agency.