Wittenberg board votes to allow ATV/UTV access to some village roads

The Wittenberg Village Board approved an ordinance allowing for all-terrain vehicles and utility task vehicles to use the village roads as designated on the revised route map proposed by Don Aanonsen, unofficial spokesperson for several enthusiasts. The ordinance includes the residential access law used for snowmobile access where residents may drive on any street as long as they are heading to the closest access route.

At the July 21 board meeting, Aanonsen corrected some misinformation he had given at the previous board meeting when he stated that drivers 12 years old were eligible to operate any ATV/UTV as long as they had a certificate, wore a helmet and had no passengers. Aanonsen clarified that drivers have to be 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to be on roads.

The board requested input from businesses and residents during the two weeks between board meetings, and most of those who responded were in favor of the ordinance.

Some residents had concerns about traffic on Mission Street. The map which had originally been proposed included access from Highway 29 outside of the village onto Robin Road, which turns into Mohawk Street and then into Mission Street. That route was eliminated.

Travel over highways is not allowed by state law, so connecting routes between villages and townships is needed in order to travel across county lines. Aanonsen said he got permission from the town of Germania to approve access on County Road M so that road from the village line in Wittenberg to Tigerton is now open.

The town of Wittenberg will need to approve access along Grand Avenue from Rachel’s Roadside Bar & Grill, W17298 Spruce Road, and the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave.

Pete Hoekstra, a resident in the town of Wittenberg, spoke in favor of the proposal saying he had originally opposed ATV/UTV access in the town but had since changed his mind, citing the convenience for quick trips to local businesses.

“This will help every business in the community. This is an extremely large emerging sport that will bring a lot of money into this area that is desperately needed,” said Hugh McAloon, owner of Tavern Front.

No one at the meeting spoke against the proposed Ordinance 2020-01, which is the first ordinance of this year.

Village President William Switalla said there was always an opportunity to open up more roads if needed.

Speed limit is whatever is established in the village, with most roads being 25 mph.

The routes will be open as soon as the signage is posted. Aanonsen offered to help put up signs, which will most likely happen within the next two weeks, according to Switalla.

mnelson@newmedia-wi.com