BETHEL – A proposal to allow four-wheelers, snowmachines and other off-road vehicles on Bethel city streets is moving forward after a public outcry over a crackdown that began last month.
A measure by Mayor Rick Robb to allow ATVs and snowmachines was introduced at Tuesday night's Bethel City Council meeting. It is not yet law. A public hearing will likely take place at the next regular council meeting on Oct. 25.
Council members slightly tweaked his proposal to require helmets for all minors, not just those driving the rigs. But adults won't be required to wear helmets, under the measure as written.
[Sudden crackdown on four-wheelers quiets Bethel streets and upsets residents]
Council members did not approve a separate measure that in the meantime would have suspended active enforcement of laws against off-road vehicles on city streets. Council members in September directed the city administration to do that active enforcement.
Police Sgt. Amy Davis said that officers already have eased off and are no longer ticketing all drivers on city streets. When Robb asked whether those driving recklessly, while intoxicated or breaking other traffic laws still will be pulled over, Davis said that would happen.
Council member Alisha Welch said that is the direction she wanted all along — increased enforcement, but not strict enforcement. Suspending last month's directive would have just further confused things, she said.
There is disagreement over whether state law prohibits off-road vehicles on city roads as well as state roads. Robb said his measure would clarify the situation for residents.