Wenatchee, Wash., - All-terrain vehicles that are licensed and street legal may now ride on all paved roads in unincorporated Chelan County with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Commissioners approved the change this fall. It also opens all of the county's primitive roads-except one-to all-terrain vehicles that have state-issued off-road tags.
Commissioners agreed to exclude Downie Road, on Chelan Butte, from ATV access at the request of the approximately half dozen property owners who live on that primitive road, Commissioner Keith Goehner said.
Residents along the road don't own ATVs and are concerned about danger from speeding vehicles and impacts to wildlife, Goehner said. The rule change comes less than two weeks after a public hearing that drew about 20 ATV enthusiasts eager for more access.
A new state law that took effect in July lets cities and counties open roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less to street-legal ATVs.
The East Wenatchee city council discussed the possible change Oct. 22. Douglas County officials are also studying a possible change.
ATV enthusiasts have said that the change allows them to use paved streets to travel from one primitive road to the next, without having to trailer their vehicles.
As many as 475 of the Chelan County's 505 roads have speed limits of 35 mph or less, county officials have said.
Okanogan, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties already give ATVs virtually full access to roads, ATV enthusiasts have said.
They point to Montana, Idaho and Utah, which already allow ATVs on most roads and are considered destinations for ATV rallies and events.
These events draw hundreds of people who stay in local hotels and restaurants, they said.
Christine Pratt: 665-1173
pratt@wenatcheeworld.com
