California

The California Coastal Commission rejected a staff recommendation in July and voted 8-2 to keep the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area open to motorized recreation, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

The commission heard six hours of testimony from OHV enthusiasts and anti-access proponents before reaching its decision.

The staff recommendation issued in June called for elimination of motorized uses because of alleged environmental issues and “tribal concerns.”

State parks officials opposed the staff recommendations and requested that the Coastal Commission take no action on eliminating access. State parks officials state that they want to complete their own management plan, saying that OHV use can be balanced with conservation, the Times reported.

Motorized recreation has been permitted at the site for more than 60 years. Oceano Dunes is an important location for responsible recreation and a source for positive economic impact at the local level.

Maryland

The Huckleberry Rocks parcel at Wolf Den Run, in western Maryland opened July 15, offering off-roaders more than 12 miles of mostly multi-directional trails. About 50 vehicles a day will be permitted to use the trails for a $10 fee.

All trails will accommodate ATVs. About half the trails will also accommodate full-sized 4X4s.

The property includes three distinct parcels, including approximately three miles of frontage on the Potomac River’s North Branch, rugged and mountainous terrain, 1,700 acres of mixed forest, and unique rocky bluffs rising 900 feet above the Potomac River.

More information is available at https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/Wolf-Den-Run.aspx.

Missouri

Missouri. Gov. Mike Parson vetoed legislation (S.B. 147) July 12 that would have allowed motorcyclists and passengers 18 or older to ride without a helmet if they carry health insurance.

As a former member of the House and Senate, Parson supported legislation that would have allowed riders to go helmet-less, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. However, the governor objected to a part of the omnibus transportation bill that would have changed the process for stripping drivers of their licenses if they don’t pay fines for minor traffic offenses.

North Carolina

H.B. 257, which exempts motorcyclists from the state’s ban on wearing a mask or face covering while riding, passed both chambers of the legislature and was presented to the governor on July 1.

The bill allows the masks or face coverings, as long as they are for the protection of their head or face, or both, and if riders remove the mask when stopped by law enforcement.

Ohio

H.B. 129, which would allow motorcyclists to wear earphones or earplugs for hearing protection while riding, passed the House and was introduced in the Senate.

Hearing protection while riding provides health benefits and combats riding fatigue.

The AMA and ABATE of Ohio support this bill, and Ohio AMA members are encouraged to contact their state representatives and ask them to support it, as well.

Tennessee

A state law forbidding the use of most cell phones while driving took effect July 1.

Under the new law, if the car is moving, drivers are permitted to touch the phone once to either accept or reject an incoming call. Drivers may not hold or support the phone with any part of their bodies.

Bluetooth connections and headsets are legal, and drivers also may use their phone to dial 911 in an emergency.

Texas

On Oct 11-13, the Texas Motorized Trails Coalition will host the grand opening of Escondido Draw Recreational Area in Ozona, Texas.

The area encompasses 3,480 acres for trails and 76 acres at the trailhead for holding events and camping.

The riding area provides 110 miles of marked trails. There are 40 miles of 4×4 and 50 miles of motorcycle trails, with more than 20 miles available for ATV and side-by-side use.

The project was completed by the Federal Highway Administration and the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife using $5.17 million in RTP funds.

More information is available at
www.escondidodraw.org or
www.texasmotorizedtrails.com.