Needles adopts 9.22‑mile off‑highway motor‑vehicle pilot plan to boost tourism

The City of Needles voted to adopt the off‑highway motor vehicle (OHMV) master plan and pilot project, approving a 9.22‑mile combined‑use network across 14 designated street segments and directing staff to begin implementation tasks such as signage, outreach, enforcement coordination and grant pursuits.

Consultant Fred Mingard told the council the pilot is authorized by AB 2152 and limited to a maximum 10 miles; Needles proposed 9.22 miles with a maximum posted speed of 35 mph on designated segments. The presentation detailed safety requirements (helmets, driver's license, insurance, youth training requirements), staging areas (Park Drive/River Road and Clary Drive/Lily Hill Drive), bilingual outreach materials and a complaint portal. "Tonight before you we are requesting approval for the overall 9.22 miles of the combined use network and to authorize implementation including signage and outreach," Mingard said.

Council members discussed map clarifications (removing routes where posted speeds exceed 35 mph), enforcement roles with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and CHP review, and the availability of grant funding for signage and staging improvements. Several local business and recreation speakers supported the plan as an economic development and tourism tool; some councilors emphasized careful education and enforcement to avoid safety issues.

The council adopted Resolution 2025‑38 authorizing the pilot and next steps, including preparing final reports (for state submittal) and conducting required public hearings as the program advances.