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Belgium residents and ATV club debate proposed ordinance to allow ATVs and UTVs on village routes
Summary
At a public forum, ATV/UTV club representatives and local residents debated a proposed village ordinance to authorize ATVs and UTVs on approved road routes; supporters said it would boost local businesses while opponents raised safety and enforcement concerns. The village board is scheduled to vote next Monday.
Village of Belgium officials heard an extended public discussion on a proposed ordinance that would allow ATVs and UTVs to operate on designated village roads after a presentation by local club representatives.
The ATV/UTV club outlined state requirements and safety practices during the forum. The presenter noted that "Anyone born after 01/01/1988... still need to have and pass the Wisconsin DNR ATV safety course," and emphasized that UTV occupants must use safety harnesses and that all machines must display current registration and a license plate. The presenter also said the group follows state signage and speed limits and cited large statewide mileage figures for approved road routes.
Local business owner Mark Beechler urged the board to approve the ordinance, saying it "can give a great boost to almost any of the businesses within the village" by bringing riders into restaurants, gas stations and retail. He asked the board to treat the change as a trial, noting the village could revoke the allowance if problems emerge.
Residents who opposed or had reservations about the proposal raised safety concerns, particularly about young operators. One attendee said, "I don't like the idea of 12 year olds driving these things around the building," and several others pressed whether the village would face liability for accidents and how enforcement would work. Club representatives and other residents responded that liability typically falls on the individual operator and their insurer, and that DNR wardens and local sheriff's deputies have enforcement authority.
Speakers described a local Trail Ambassador program intended to supplement enforcement: trained volunteers who will educate riders, report violations and coordinate with DNR wardens and county sheriffs. Club representatives said ambassadors cannot issue tickets but can provide on-site education and contact law enforcement when necessary.
Questions also covered equipment and visibility: attendees asked whether turn indicators are required (club: not currently required; hand signals are used), whether bright aftermarket light bars would be allowed (club: use of blinding light bars on public roads is unlawful), and how registration is displayed (club: two side stickers plus a rear plate, visible for identification).
Supporters pointed to experience in other Wisconsin communities, including Random Lake, Fredonia, Rhinelander and Wisconsin Dells, where similar allowances have operated without major incidents, and highlighted organized charity rides and coordinated events. Opponents emphasized enforcement capacity in a small village and the potential for non-club riders to ignore rules.
The village board will consider the proposed ordinance at its meeting next Monday night. Organizers asked residents to report problems so the board could revoke the allowance quickly if the village finds it does not work as intended.
