GREENE – With its season of riding coming to a close, the Androscoggin Trail Venturers asked the town for permission to expand its road travel allowance next season.

The extra footage would create a link between most of its existing trails and draw in drivers from around the state and more revenue for the town, club President Jaime Lachance said.

“The benefit, first off, of having ATV access routes gives drivers a legal connection between trail points,” he said. “This would eliminate the need to speed down the road illegally to avoid being fined by the police.”

Despite the club’s effort, selectmen said travel on College and Barrel Shop roads was a danger. The club proposed to knock on residential doors and seek permission to create trails going through backyards to avoid long road travel. The board was in favor of this action and asked the club to report back when the proper signatures were obtained.

Club member Steve Martel said the organization’s first call of duty after the signatures are in is to create a new path off the Barrel Shop Road to make travel safer.

“We are also trying to get a path that allows operators trail access along the railroad tracks on College Street to Barrel Shop Road,” he said.

If the plans are approved, the club will purchase signs to help indicate the direction of trails and help reduce the chances of operators becoming lost and trespassing on private property. The club assured the town that although it is seeking permission to make new trails it does not give permission for snowmobiles to travel on these trails without landowners’ permission.

“They have the right to use the trails only after they have received landowners’ permission,” Lachance said. “Just because we get permission doesn’t mean everyone has permission.”

In addition to the selectmen’s request to receive signatures it has also asked that a travel ordinance be placed to insure landowners’ privacy are not violated by late-night runs.

The club’s season is between May 15 and Dec. 15 and all paths are accessible to nonclub members. However, those interested in joining can do so for an annual fee of $20 per household. “This covers every rider in the house,” Martel said.

For more information, log onto the Androscoggin Trail Ventures ATV Club Web site at www.ATVMAINE.net or phone 946-4695.