New Fredonia ordinance allows ATVs to be driven on town roads

The Fredonia Town Board last week unanimously approved a new ordinance that would allow all-terrain and utility vehicles to drive on town roads.

The vote came after a public hearing during which some residents expressed concern over safety and other issues.

Christine Luft said she was concerned about safety and wanted town officials to work more closely with Ozaukee County and Village of Fredonia officials to create a better road plan.

“There are too many roads to nowhere,” she said, noting that many town roads end at county roads where the vehicles would not be allowed.

The ordinance, which was proposed by the Belgium-based Lakeshore ATV/UTV Club, is modeled after ordinances adopted in the towns of Farmington, Scott and others.

Supporters said the ordinance is mostly needed for local farmers and others who use the vehicles to go on short trips within the town.

“People are already doing it,” Supr. Jim Stemper said. “Why wouldn’t we make it legal for them?”

Under the ordinance, ATVs and UTVs can travel on town and county roads where the speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour.

The vehicles are not allowed on roads between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. under the ordinance.

The town is the first in Ozaukee County to legalize the vehicles on roads.

Club leaders said they will go to the county next to get permission to travel on all county roads. They also plan to go to other towns and villages, starting with the Town of Belgium.