Lyon commissioners to consider banning ATVs on unpaved county roads

ATV riders would be banned from riding on unpaved county-maintained roads if Lyon County commissioners approve an ordinance today.

"We've got people who have concerns about breathing, asthma and allergies and are really concerned about dust," said county manager Donna Kristaponis. "Then we have people who want to have places where the kids can ride their ATVs."

Kristaponis said riders could always use BLM land, rather than county-maintained roads.

"Most of (the ATV riders) don't want to be on public streets," she said. "They realize there's a liability being on public streets."

Lyon County Commission Chairman Bob Milz was sympathetic to the off-roaders.

"I know we're having problems with dust, but there ought to be a place where they can go," he said.

Chad Olson, owner of Adventure MotoStuff in east Carson City, said there are not enough places for young people to ride, since many areas have been closed to riders.

"I've got a lot of customers who ride out there (in Lyon County)," he said. "It's getting harder and harder to find places to ride. Now you can't go anywhere without putting your ATV on a trailer or in the back of a pickup. We're losing a lot of the rural charm."

Kristaponis said the ordinance will pertain to off-road vehicles, such as dirt bikes, but would not apply to licensed motorcycles. She said she anticipates there will be proposals to change the ordinance.

Commissioner Leroy Goodman said the ordinance offers a forum for debate.

"There's been some people requesting it," he said. "I have no feeling one way or another; I think there are more pressing concerns, but I'm sure people in Dayton area are concerned about it."

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 351.

If You Go

WHAT: Lyon County Commission meeting

WHEN: 9 a.m. today

WHERE: 27 S. Main St., Yerington

CALL: (775) 463-6531