Monroe moves forward with ATV ordinance

The Monroe City Council discussed the potential for allowing wheeled all-terrain vehicles on city streets last Tuesday, and how that could be regulated.

Councilmember Jeff Rasmussen said the committee responsible for reviewing transportation and public safety issues had successfully vetted the options this winter; that it had been a straightforward conversation.

The council was handed a final list that included seven categories, such as insurance, specifics for minors and what kind of safety equipment would be used. Multiple options were listed under each for consideration.

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas eventually directed staff to bring back a draft ordinance that would permit use on any roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less, with a few exceptions.

The council also decided to look further at permitting all state-approved vehicles on city streets. Councilmember Patsy Cudaback pushed for simplicity that night, saying it is the easiest policy to enforce and for the public to understand.

The discussion began with urging from a Monroe resident last summer. In the Sky Valley, Sultan and Skykomish have ordinances that allow use, according to the Washington ATV Association. The organization suggests calling ahead to Skykomish to verify street use. Amy Bleam asked the City of Monroe to start “a fair and open ordinance process.”

She argues the vehicles are safe and regulated — that was largely the purpose of adopting policy into Washington’s code in 2013. A coalition of rural city managers, environmentalists, law enforcement and other groups worked together for years to lobby and support passage of the bill. Monroe’s Premier Polaris co-owner Linda Driscoll was a part of those efforts.

Supporters believe opening up certain roadways statewide will allow the WATV community to boost local economies through lodging, restaurants and gas stations. They also argue WATVs are fuel-efficient and low-impact.

According to Conservation Northwest, the state policy ensures more accountability, and therefore more protections from destructive use of WATVs. The Department of Natural Resources estimates between 3,000-6,000 miles of trail have been illegally formed by riders. That’s three to six times the legal amount.

In Washington, cities may decide if WATVs can be operated on local roads. They do have flexibility in adopting specific regulations, such as a minimum age limit, above 16 years. The WATVs are mostly confined to streets with a 35 mph speed limit or less, except on state highways. If approved for use, Monroe would have to develop and publish a list of acceptable roads.

The council entered the local discussion this fall. About half a dozen residents spoke in favor of legalizing the vehicles at the November meeting. Monroe Police Chief Tim Quenzer made it clear he was opposed to the idea.

“I urge you not to go forward with this idea; we have nice trails, parks that currently do not suffer from abuse from WATVs, so why invite it in?” he said at last month’s meeting. “When this bill was proposed to the state Legislature, it was offered as a way to reduce ATV abuse and provide accountability for the misuse of the ATVs. We do not, nor do I recall ever having those issues within the city of Monroe.”

Quenzer was also concerned about the dangers of interactions between WATVs and dump trucks, which have a bad history of collisions with small vehicles, especially in Monroe’s roundabouts. He also believes they have the potential of impeding traffic flow.

There will be no impact to the budget if WATVs are allowed on city streets, according to the city, other than any costs related to enforcement. Quenzer said he did not foresee it being much of an issue in that regard.

Councilmember Jason Gamble has been a proponent of legalizing use from the start. He owns a side-by-side, and said some are more sturdy than other smaller vehicles they would share the road with. Councilmember Kirk Scarboro and Gamble briefly debated whether drivers should wear helmets.

Gamble said it was not necessary for those with roll bars and seatbelts, while Scarboro said he would prefer they be required. 

According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, WATVs must be registered, driven by someone with a valid Washington driver’s license, and be inspected by a licensed WATV dealer or motor vehicle repair shop.

Thomas said that the council’s preferred options will come back for a first and second hearing before action is taken. He encouraged the public to attend those future meetings or send in comments to the city.