Arizona

Motorized and non-motorized trail users in the Show Low area combined their efforts to help the state produce a trail map that the U.S. Forest Service could not afford to print. The TRACKS trail committee, which represents hikers, runners and mountain bikers, came up with the idea and took it to the Forest Service. An office worker connected TRACKS with the White Mountain Open Trails Association, an ATV riding group. WMOTA obtained a grant from the Arizona State Parks & Trails department, which used funds raised through the state’s OHV sticker program. The trail system is in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The trail maps are free and will be available locally at the Lakeside Ranger District office and the White Mountain Nature Center.

Colorado

The Archuleta Board of County Commissioners is considering a proposal that would allow OHVs to operate on public roads. The Pagosa Trail Riders reminded the commissioners that the state passed a law in 2016 requiring OHV riders to have a driver’s license and insurance and directing local officials to designate roads that OHVs may use. The Pagosa Trail Riders club is part of the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition.

Florida

S.B. 346 would require motor scooter riders younger than 21 to wear helmets while on public roads. The bill applies to motorcycles and scooters of 50cc or less. Current law allows riders 16 and older to decide whether to wear a helmet on those bikes. The proposed legislation comes a year after a failed attempt to reinstate universal mandatory motorcycle helmet use.

Michigan

A new state law allows anyone with a valid driver’s license to operate an autocycle—a three-wheeled vehicle with side-by-side seating and a steering wheel. No motorcycle endorsement is needed. Three-wheeled motorcycles still require a motorcycle license to operate.

Missouri

The city of Columbia is considering an ordinance banning all texting while driving. State law prohibits texting for drivers younger than 21 and for commercial truck drivers. Efforts to enact a statewide ban have proved unsuccessful. The Columbia effort is part of the city’s Vision Zero plan, intended to reduce traffic injuries and deaths.