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New Berlin safety commission declines action on ATV/UTV street ordinance after safety and cost concerns
Summary
The Safety Commission voted to take no action on a resident request to allow all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles on city streets, citing safety risks, roadway damage and limited demonstrated demand; the motion passed 7-0 with one abstention.
The New Berlin Safety Commission voted Dec. 10 to take no action on a resident request to create an ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) to operate on city roadways.
The item (25-11) came to the commission after a resident, transmitted through Alderwoman Charlotte Kroupa, asked the city to permit ATV/UTV use on public streets. Citizen Greg Alley spoke in opposition, citing safety risks and noise from ATVs and UTVs. Charles Butcher said he saw recreational value in UTVs but agreed with Alley’s safety concerns.
Police staff and commissioners stressed safety and practical limits. Police Captain David Rocklewitz said creating a local ordinance would not make New Berlin roadways safer but that the department would impartially enforce whatever rules the city adopted. City Engineer Tammy Simonson warned that allowing ATVs/UTVs could damage shoulders and require additional maintenance and signage, increasing long-term costs.
Several commissioners pointed to local conditions that differ from nearby municipalities that allow such vehicles: Commissioner Mitchell Lataille and Alderperson Kroupa noted New Berlin’s higher population density and the number of county highways through the city, arguing those factors reduce the suitability of an ATV/UTV ordinance. Board Member Jim Oldham said ATVs and UTVs present different regulatory and safety profiles and said he would be more open to considering a UTV-only ordinance rather than permitting ATVs.
After discussion, Alderperson Kroupa moved — and Commissioner Mary English seconded — a motion to take no action on the ordinance request, based on recommendations from the streets, engineering and police departments and the commission’s feedback. The motion passed 7-0 with Oldham recorded as abstaining.
The commission’s action leaves the existing traffic regulations unchanged; no new ordinance will be drafted or forwarded at this time. The item had earlier been returned to the Safety Commission by the Common Council for further consideration.
