Tired of ATVs on the paved bike paths

If I had a dollar for every ATV that has almost run me over on the paved bike paths in the Valley, I’d be a rich woman. After reading “Businessman battles ban” in Tuesday’s Frontiersman, I need to finally make a statement.

When I moved from Anchorage to the Valley 14 years ago, my biggest perceived concern was lack of bike trails and ski trails. After I got here, I saw that there are adequate, paved bike trails all over the Valley. But are they safe? Absolutely not! Are they safely useable on a bicycle? Some are; most are not. I am experiencing an inordinate amount of ATV traffic on the paved bike paths in the Valley even when there is a dirt trail that they can use right next to the paved trail! My question is, “Why are they traveling on paved bike paths when there are miles and miles of ATV trails all over the Mat-Su Borough?”

Since I have moved here, the signage is getting better. There are now posted signs at more of the access points to the paved bike paths “Non-motorized vehicles only.” I see the problem as one of enforcement. I happened to stop and talk with one of these ATV riders once and her reply was, “My brother-in-law is a trooper and he said it’s OK for me to drive my four-wheeler on the bike path because no one enforces it anyway,” as she sped off purposely spewing gravel all over the paved path.

I, too, have mixed feelings about banning four-wheelers within the city limits of Wasilla. What’s the point if it isn’t enforced anyway? It also takes educating the public. Nowhere in the article does it state that Thomas Hannam from Alaska Toy Rental explains to his customers trail etiquette or that ATVs are not allowed on paved trails anywhere in the borough. Hopefully he does.

Does it have to take someone dying in an ATV/bicycle crash on the bike path, or worse yet, a child in a stroller, before something is done? Please ride your ATVs on the dirt trails and leave the paved trails for non-motorized users. Thank you.

Valerie Rettmann

Wasilla