The Transportation Committee of Oshkosh on Oct. 13 heard extended public comment and staff analysis on whether to allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on city streets, but took no formal action after members said they lacked sufficient data.

The issue was referred to the committee by the Common Council. Staff reported a city survey with roughly 1,400 responses: about 55% of respondents opposed allowing ATVs/UTVs on city streets, about 40% supported it, and about 5% were neutral. Staff said many responses included written comments identifying safety, noise and enforcement concerns.

Proponents from local riding groups described safe, organized rides and economic benefits. “We respectfully request a copy of those results,” said Dave Schmidt, president of Fox River Wheelers, who urged the committee to recommend allowing ATVs/UTVs and said, “It can be done safely.” Other proponents emphasized features such as roll cages, lights and insurance practices that they said make many modern side-by-sides safer than motorcycles.

Opponents and staff flagged enforcement and statutory limits. The chief of police (name not specified) told the committee that, from a public-safety perspective, current state-level regulation complicates local enforcement: ATVs/UTVs are registered under Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rules rather than Department of Transportation rules, and DNR OWI penalties do not trigger the same driving-privilege suspensions that apply under state motor-vehicle OWI law. The chief said that, “because we are a city, we can't institute a stricter consequence for driving a UTV, ATV under the influence than what DNR does,” and warned that adding ATVs/UTVs to city streets would come while the city is also addressing e-bike sidewalk rules, creating an enforcement challenge.

Committee members cited the recently completed survey, the chief's enforcement concerns, and the lack of a comparable city of Oshkosh's size in Wisconsin that currently allows ATVs/UTVs on all city streets. One member said the city would be a “guinea pig” if it moved first. Several members noted they had not had time to read all written comments distributed to the committee that morning.

No motion to recommend allowing ATVs/UTVs advanced — a committee member said they did not have enough information and declined to move the item; without a motion the matter did not proceed. Staff and commenters may return the issue to committee or the council later; proponents were provided a copy of the survey results and were told materials are publicly available on the City of Oshkosh website.

Why it matters: permitting ATVs/UTVs on city streets would change who may legally use roadways, with implications for enforcement, public safety, local revenue (wheel tax), and downtown traffic patterns. The committee’s decision to defer action keeps the current prohibition in place while leaving options open for future study and possible phased trials.

What comes next: The committee did not forward a recommendation to the Common Council. Proponents were told they may request the council revisit the matter or resubmit ordinance language; staff said they will make survey materials available online and to requestors.