Yukon eyes new ATV rules

An all-party committee of the Yukon legislature is reviewing use of all-terrain vehicles in the territory - everything from safety issues to possible environmental restrictions.

In the coming weeks, surveys will go out to all households, said MLA Don Inverarity, vice-chair of the legislative committee.

Yukoners will be asked their views about on-trail versus off-trail use, safety issues such as helmets and whether there should be age restrictions on the use of ATVs.

"I look at this as the first step in this process, first let's get feed back," he said.

ATV enthusiasts are divided on the question of what the government should, or shouldn't, do.

There are at least two separate groups - each with their own idea on ATV regulation.

Ken Taylor is with the Trails Only Yukon Association, which advocates use ofthemachines onlyon existing trails. "There are thousands of kilometres of existing exploration roads and mining roads and trails," he said. "We'd like to see the government provide legislative support that would require people to stick to those trails and not be cutting new trails and not be running roughshod over alpine country and sensitive wetlands."

Meanwhile, Chris May has started another ATV group. "Our members are in support of there being legislation in the Yukon that protects the environment as long as it doesn't restrict their lifestyle," said May, adding the off-road rider's association is up to 1,100 members.

While his membership would support safety regulations, he doesn't like the idea of restricting trail use.

May points to legislation in British Columbia that doesn't single out ATV users but attaches a penalty to anyone damaging sensitive landscape.

For now, both ATV groups are encouraging members and all Yukoners to fill out the survey and voice their opinion.

The all-party ATV committee will report back to the legislature this fall.