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Germantown trustees weigh allowing ATV and UTV routes after long public debate
Summary
Trustees heard a lengthy presentation and public comment on allowing ATV/UTV routes in Germantown, with proponents citing economic benefits and nearby jurisdictions’ experience and opponents citing safety and traffic concerns; board agreed to place the issue on the Nov. 17 agenda for possible action.
Trustee Rick Miller introduced a discussion on legal and practical steps for allowing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on municipal roads, saying residents have expressed interest and noting neighboring communities have adopted routes.
Tim Rohrer, president of the Kenil Moraine ATV Association and a member of the Wisconsin ATV Association, told the board that Wisconsin has more than 65,000 miles of legal road routes for ATVs/UTVs and that many fatalities attributed to ATVs involve single-vehicle run-off events rather than collisions with other motor vehicles. “On average, that’s 33 fatalities a year,” Rohrer said, and he argued that careful route selection and public education can reduce risk.
Multiple residents spoke for and against allowing routes. Supporters said routes would help rural residents use utility vehicles for work and could boost local spending. Opponents — including several trustees — cited growth and development that make parts of Germantown feel less rural and raised concerns about mixing slower-moving ATVs with heavier traffic on busy corridors such as Pilgrim and Mequon roads.
Trustees asked for clarifying details before taking formal action: which specific roads would be proposed, enforcement expectations, how routes would be amended if problems occur, and comparative data from similar-size communities. Chief Martin and other staff said Washington County and nearby municipalities reported few enforcement problems, but that successful implementation depends on education, enforcement, and careful route selection.
Trustee Pieper asked staff to place the discussion back on the board agenda as an action item; the board agreed to return the matter for potential action at the Nov. 17 meeting with maps and additional information.
Next steps: staff will prepare route maps, enforcement and education plans, and comparative data from neighboring jurisdictions for the Nov. 17 village board meeting.
