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ATV club seeks limited road access to reconnect regional trail; council asks for DOT and parks review
Summary
Representatives of the Caribou Biking Riders ATV Club asked the council to permit limited designated ATV access on specific municipal roads to restore a trail connection; councilors and residents raised safety, sight-line and noise concerns and asked staff to obtain input from Parks & Rec and Maine DOT before action.
Jeff Barnard, president of the Caribou Biking Riders ATV Club, asked the council during public forum to allow limited, designated ATV access along portions of Blanchard, Alberts, Brissett and Belanger (Town Line) roads to reconnect a segment of the existing trail network after losing permission from two private landowners.
“We're not asking for unrestricted ATV access on city roads,” Barnard said. “We're requesting a clearly defined connection along a specific route for the specific purpose of restoring continuity within the existing trail system.” He said at least one landowner along the proposed corridor has granted permission and described the request as a temporary, practical step while the club continues to seek a permanent off-road solution.
Residents and councilors raised safety concerns. One councilor asked the club to consult Caribou Parks & Recreation and Highway staff and recommended outreach to Maine DOT and the regional engineer because of sight-line issues at the knoll on Route 1/Van Buren Road. A nearby resident warned about noise and asked the city to ensure neighbors have input.
Council action: No formal vote on the request occurred that evening. Councilors agreed to defer formal action and requested staff to obtain input from Caribou Parks & Rec, Police/Highway staff and, if necessary, Maine DOT before placing the item on an agenda for decision.
Why it matters: The request seeks to balance recreational trail connectivity and economic activity associated with ATV tourism against public-safety, noise and neighborhood impacts. The council’s next review will consider sight lines, speed limits, signage, law enforcement capacity and adjacent property owner concerns.
Next steps: City staff will coordinate with Parks & Recreation, Highway, police and Maine DOT and return with recommendations and any necessary conditions (speed limits, signage, rider education) for a future council decision.
