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Winnebago County board expands ATV/UTV access on county roads; speed‑limit amendment fails
Summary
The county board approved an ordinance opening lettered county roads to all‑terrain and utility terrain vehicles; an amendment to limit ATVs to 35 mph failed 5‑26 after debate about enforcement and safety.
Winnebago County’s board approved Ordinance 0148062025 on a 26‑5 vote to amend section 7.16 of the county code governing all‑terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) routes and regulations, permitting expanded use of ATVs and UTVs on designated county roads.
The ordinance drew public comment in support from local ATV/UTV advocates and businesses. David Schmidt, chairman of the Wisconsin Winnebago County ATV/UTV Association and president of Fox River Wheelers, told the board the state has “over 512,000 registered vehicles with over 65,000 miles of routes and trails.” Gail Hague said Winnebago County ranks 14th in registered machines with 9,629 vehicles and argued opening more county roads would preserve local economic activity and improve lake access.
During debate Vice Chairman Farri proposed an amendment to limit "ATV operators" to 35 mph while allowing UTVs higher speeds; that amendment lost on a 5‑26 vote. Supporters of the amendment cited perceived stability differences at higher speeds for smaller ATVs; opponents — including the sheriff’s department as reported in the meeting — said enforcing different speed limits for different vehicle classes on the same roads would be difficult.
Supervisor O’Brien moved the ordinance; Supervisor Harrison seconded. The board adopted the ordinance 26‑5. The ordinance update includes language about posted speed limits and route designations; implementation will include signage paid for by local ATV groups, according to public testimony.
Clarifying details offered during public comment and debate included cited statewide economic impact figures (a 2023 third‑party study cited by speakers) and local registration counts; those figures were presented by commenters and were not verified on the meeting record. Several supervisors and the sheriff raised jurisdiction and enforcement questions where county highways pass through cities and villages; the sheriff noted some county roads in city limits remain enforceable by the county and that traffic and volume were factors in selecting routes.
The board also discussed the potential need to coordinate routes with neighboring counties and town boards; one supervisor on Zoom said he voted yes in committee to move the ordinance forward but would have voted no in person because his town board opposed the change.
The ordinance takes immediate effect under county procedures. Additional route signage and coordination with local law enforcement were noted as next steps by staff.
