- ATV routes provide connectivity between businesses, lodging/homes and trails
- The municipality that has jurisdiction must enact an ordinance approving a new ATV route
- Many governments require an ATV club/alliance to submit the new route
- Read the rest of this page for a deeper dive!
Wisconsin ATV Routes Overview
In Wisconsin, ATVers are not allowed to ride on a public road unless that road has been designated as an ATV route- which means the municipality who has jurisdiction, has enacted an ordinance allowing ATV use, and the route is signed with ATV route signage.
In addition, ATVers do not enjoy ‘access laws’ like snowmobilers do- ATVers cannot ride from their lodging or residence to the nearest trail or route unless the road they are riding on is an approved ATV route. AND ATVers cannot ride the shoulders or ditches alongside roads in Wisconsin, unless those areas are designated ATV trails.
There has been a huge push in Wisconsin to open county and local roads- indeed, as of 2024, there were over 55 counties which allowed ATV use on county roads, and many local municipalities now allow ATVs on their local roads.
Trying to open ATV routes is a taxing job, especially since those who do all the work are usually unpaid volunteers. I was one of those volunteers, who spent countless days and hours devoted to opening up both individual and local roads, as well as our county roads in Sawyer County to ATV use.
There was little guidance, and resources were hard to find when I jumped into the fire- and now, I want to help those opening ATV routes in their own communities, by sharing what I learned.
This segment will grow as I continue to add information to it – Reach out to me anytime you have questions or need help.
Develop a plan
So, you want to open a new ATV route in your Wisconsin community? Below are links to printable ATV route planning guides to get you started and see you through to success! The info in both is quite similar but the ‘all roads’ guide is geared more for all road types.
ATVing facts and the opposition
The fast-growing sport of ATVing has proven to be a substantial driver for the economic health of many communities and businesses- but ignorance and opposition can foil attempts to expand access. Read how to educate and deal with opposition.
- coming soon!
Public relations
Opening ATV routes involves continuous relationship-building and PR work with the public and elected officials in your community. Here are tips I’ve learned from attending many meetings and dealing with different people and opinions.
- coming soon!
Going for the new ATV route
Navigating and mastering the world of government meetings – a must if you expect success opening ATV routes.
- coming soon!
Researching ATV data
When opening ATV routes, being prepared is critical to your success- your ability to answer questions, accurately and on the spot, can make the difference between a route being approved or denied. Learn as much as you can– calmly stating verifiable facts in rebuttal situations will cement your standing as a credible ATV resource as well. Below are links and info I found helpful. Reach out if you need ideas on how to use the information below.
Resources for research
- Economic Impact of ATVing in WI-2023 report
- ATV Laws-The Driving Force page
- WISDOT ATV web segment with info on State Hwy routes, permits, signage
- WISDOT Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
- WIDNR Trail Signing Handbook (includes route signing)
- WISDOT Community Maps – research traffic accidents, other user accidents and ATV accidents in your area. You must request a login to access ATV data (ATV data is found under the ADVANCED tab > additional flag filters)
- WISDOT Weekly Fatality Report – fatalities from all DOT roadway users.
- WIDNR ATV Crash Data – ATV fatality reports and Annual Program Report (in depth report about all rec vehicles)
- WI DOR – WI Gas Tax Book
- WI DOR – Gas tax FAQ page with some helpful info.
- National Insurance Institute – resource for auto insurance data- to look up uninsured motorist rates and statistics.