Citizens Voice Strong Opposition to Snowmobiles On City Streets

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - Last night a special Public Input Meeting was held in the Women's Club Room on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building to discuss a propsal that would allow snowmobiles to travel on public streets to go to and from local trails.

The proposed ordinance would all snowmobiles to travel on all streets throughout the City except: US-2 (All portions inside the City); Lowell Street (South of Cloverland Drive and North of Norrie Street); Business Route US-2 (All portions inside the City); Ayer Street (East of Hemlock and West of Country Club Road); Curry Street (South of Cloverland Drive and North of Ayer Street); and Alfred Wright Boulevard (South of Oak Street and North of Lime Street).

Current regulations would be adapted to the new ordinance, should it pass. The following regulations would apply:

  • Snowmobiles operated on public roadways must be registered
  • Brakes/Headlights always lit
  • Speed Limit = Whatever is reasonable and proper, but never more than 25 miles per hour
  • Operation between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM prohibited
  • Snowmobiles must travel single-file (except when overtaking and passing another snowmobile)
  • Age limitations, as per State law

Currently, snowmobiles are allowed on certain City streets during the SnoCross Races and Sledfest.

Community Development Director Dan Petersen opened the meeting with a brief explanation of the proposal and he explained what steps would be taken by the Planning Commission and the City Commission in the near future -- depending on the input from the public.

Sam Davey explained to the crowd that the real benefit of the ordinance would be for the locals. He said many locals live short distances away from the designated trails, and the current law forbids them to travel on City streets. He said that the proposal would allow residents easy access to the trail system without having to haul them the short distance by trailer.

Howard Aspinwall said he was against the proposal. He said the Ironwood Public Safety Department had enough to do as it is. Patrolling snowmobiles would be creating a monster. He said at 4:00 yesterday snowmobiles were buzzing by his house and he's not on a trail.

Several other members of the audience also voiced their opposition. Here are some of the comments made:

  • Don't want to be forced to participate in other's recreation -- noise and odor
  • People don't complain because nothing will be done about it -- no tickets issued
  • Snowmobilers think that everybody needs to cater to their wants
  • Close the trails
  • Safety
  • School kids are forced to walk on the streets sharing the snowmobiles
  • Early darkness adds to the problem
  • People currently don't follow the rules, it will only make the problem worse
  • Many people visit here for the "quiet community." What's for them?
  • Fumes are toxic and the noise is also pollution
  • High banks would be a serious concern
  • Concrete aprons installed by MDOT to avoid damage to roads. What happens to our city streets?
  • Why aren't ATV's part of the ordinance?
  • Why are we catering to other people's hobbies?
  • Dangerous on the roads, cannot be seen and some drivers are wreckless.
  • People deserve peace and quiet.
  • How do you report a snowmobile when you have such a hard time identifying them?
  • Currently tracks can be seen all over town -- the law isn't being enforced.
  • Public safety has enough to do.

During the course of the meeting it was brought up that twelve year olds are currently permitted to drive snowmobiles. Steve Frank questioned the logic of allowing unlicenced, uninsured snowmobilers on City streets. He asked what happens in the case of an accident. He stated that many people have liability insurance only on their cars. An unlicensed ,uninsured snowmobile rider could run into a car and total it and the driver of the automobile would be left "holding the bag."

The majority of people at last night's meeting strongly opposed the proposal. According to Petersen, notes were taken at last night's meeting and they will be forwarded to the Planning Commission so that they can make their recommendation to the City Commission on the proposal.