JAY – The local ATV club is asking the town for permission to cross the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge to access trails on International Paper land and other area trails.
Selectmen voted to table the matter at their meeting Monday until they know the opinion of the state, since it is a state road. They will also seek guidance from the state regarding signage and painting lane lines.
Western Maine ATV Club president Bob Dalot said the club already has permission, on a one-year trial basis with Riverside Kwik Stop owner Bob DiPompo, to create a trail behind the store to reach the bridge.
“We realize it’s not the best place,” Dalot said of the bridge crossing. “But we went to another landowner and they didn’t want the ATVs using their property. The bridge is our only link.”
He suggested that the lane be on the far right of the bridge and that a speed limit of 20 mph be posted. He also suggested that selectmen approve the ATV lane for one year to make sure that it is safe and people follow the rules. “Then it could be approved year-by-year.”
Police Chief Larry White said many ATV riders already use the bridge illegally. An ATV lane with a posted speed limit will help people to “do it right and safely instead of rushing across so they don’t get caught by us,” he said, adding that the trail behind the Kwik Stop will keep people from racing their ATVs across the store parking lot.
Both he and Dalot said the bridge is wide enough that normal traffic would not be disrupted.
Dalot said he and the Western Maine ATV Club have been working closely with White to ensure that riders are following the rules and staying on approved trails. He went to White for his opinion on the bridge crossing and will continue to go to him for input whenever a new trail is proposed. “We’ll go to the chief so he knows the route,” Dalot said.
The police department is offering an ATV safety course from 8 a.m. to noon on July 29 and 30 at the Jay Community Building. Space for the class is limited. Anyone interested can sign up at the police department or by calling 897-6766.
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