Nelson Lake area, Hayward Wisconsin
This article will appear in this week’s Sawyer County Record – but I didn’t want to wait until publication to begin sharing this important warning to ATVers before our busy ATV season begins. Please spread the word – please share – please talk to other riders! It is important that we work together to clean up our riding habits through residential neighborhoods so we can keep these routes open! This message probably applies to every single residential ATV route in Wisconsin……
Some of the roads surrounding Nelson Lake are sporting brand-new ATV warning signs. These green ATV signs are splashed with bright orange banners that scream SLOW DOWN, along with a reminder that routes are a privilege.
The town of Lenroot recognized the economic and tourism benefits of ATVing early on and was one of the first towns in our county to open their roads to ATV users.
ATVers have since been drawn to the Nelson Lake area for its plentiful ATV-friendly lodging, welcoming resorts, and convenient access to Hayward, Washburn County trails and our own county forest trails.
The few main town roads that serve as connecting routes, funnel ATVers through residential neighborhoods, and there are no alternative roads to divert riders through less-populated areas. The concentration of riders on these roads during the height of the riding season can be disruptive to residents, and downright irritating if riders are speeding, or carelessly blaring music.
Our Alliance and the local ATV Club, North Country Riders, have been working hard to get ATVers to SLOW DOWN on our residential routes, keep their music down, and ride respectfully! We hope our new signs will get riders’ attention.
Don’t forget that riders should slow down when they encounter a pedestrian, bicyclist, or anyone on the road that is not in a motorized vehicle.
Routes are not a guarantee but rather a privilege that we can lose. Riders, think of the residents there – would your own neighbors like it if you ripped past their houses at breakneck speed, not just once, but every day? how about many times everyday? I doubt they would like it.
Last fall, the Nelson Lake Wine on the Water group jumped in to help and donated generously towards the purchase of these new warning signs. Members of this social group live on these ATV routes, and some are ATVers themselves- they all have a vested interest in promoting responsible ATV use in their own neighborhoods.
- Help us spread this important message – we especially need help reaching ATVers who travel from other areas to ride here.
- Please share through your social media networks
- Talk to other riders and ask them to spread this around!
- Help police and educate fellow ATVers
- If you own or manage lodging rentals, please warn your ATV guests not to speed through our residential roads.
I hope our ATV community is listening and taking this warning seriously – if we lose routes, we lose access!
Cathy, a rider who just wants to keep routes open.