ATV/UTV’s on Wisconsin Rapids City Streets Will Not Be Allowed

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis (WFHR, WIRI)

The Common Council meeting took place at City Hall this week. A petition to allow ATV/UTVs on Wisconsin Rapids City streets was voted down two to six. This is one of many meetings that have happened over the course of several years in our county and in the state. Residents have attended the meetings both to speak in favor of and against allowing ATV/UTVs on Wisconsin Rapids City streets.

Wisconsin Rapids is missing out on tourism dollars

Those in favor have pointed out all the surrounding communities who allow the ATV/UTVs on city streets. By not permitting these vehicles, they feel that Wisconsin Rapids has become an island where ATV/UTV tourists are not welcome. Proponents say Wisconsin Rapids is missing out on the potential of these tourism dollars.

Residents speak in favor of passing the petition

Madalyn P. is a strong proponent of allowing ATV/UTVs on Wisconsin Rapids City streets. She submitted the current petition to allow their usage. She made a statement at the beginning of the meeting, strongly urging council members to vote in favor of the petition.

Brian M. has spoken many times at Common Council meetings about this issue. He has brought statistics and information to the council members on the benefits of allowing ATV/UTV use on city streets. He is another strong advocate of passing the petition.

Melanie M. questioned why this petition should go to referendum when so many other decisions have been made by the council members. Decisions such as Bird City Designation, automated garbage and recycling pick-up, and revising the overnight parking ordinance. She said based on the other decisions made by the council, this petition doesn’t need to go to referendum.

Former Mayor Gerald Bach spoke during the public comment period. He stated a concern about single issue politics killing our country in many ways. He urged the council to pass the petition.

Current Mayor Shane Blaser gave his opinion on the petition. He said his views have changed over time. He said the number of younger children actually driving ATV/UTVs on the streets would not likely be that many. If it came to a tie, he would break the tie in favor of the petition.

Many think the voters should decide

Those against allowing ATV/UTVs on Wisconsin Rapids City streets have concerns about safety, noise, and busy streets. The petition as written would allow drivers ages 12 to 15 to drive ATV/UTVs as long as they are under supervision and have completed a safety course. Some against the petition are worried about having young drivers operating on city streets without a driver license.

Elizabeth W. said she would rather allow the people of Wisconsin Rapids to vote on the petition. She advocated for the council to vote the petition down which would send it to the November vote as a referendum.

Other people spoke in opposition of passing the petition based on the fact that Wisconsin Rapids residents don’t realize it’s happening. They asked that it be voted down and pushed to November election so everyone has a chance to vote on allowing ATV/UTVs on Wisconsin Rapids City streets.

Common Council does not pass the petition

After over an hour of discussion and hearing from those present, the council voted down the petition 2 ayes to 6 nays. The decision to allow ATV/UTVs on Wisconsin Rapids City streets will now be put on the November ballot to be decided by voters. You can find the petition on the city website at this link:
https://www.wirapids.org/uploads/1/0/3/3/103347874/council.02.20.2024.packet.pdf
Or look at the Common Council meeting minutes from February 20, 2024.