AUBURN -- A proposal to open a stretch of public trails in Cayuga County to all-terrain vehicles came to a stall Tuesday.
The county Legislature voted during its monthly meeting to table a resolution that would authorize ATV use on a small stretch of trail on the north side of the county. The vote came after multiple legislators raised concerns about the proposal.
Michael Chapman said he has received letters and calls from citizens about the topic. These vehicles create "unique damage" to the trails, and the resolution does not even define the term "ATV," Chapman said.
"I believe this (would be) opening the door for this type of use on the trails," he said.
Legislator Daniel Sincebaugh brought up liability issues the county could face with motorized vehicles on the trails. He asked whether the county could be sued should a pedestrian be hit by a vehicle on the trails.
County Attorney Fred Westphal said someone could file a lawsuit, though both the county and the area ATV club that wishes to use the trails are insured.
Legislator Raymond Lockwood requested the resolution be tabled to work out some of the language.
The area in question would stretch west along the Hojack Trail from Oswego County to the Cato-Fair Haven Trail, then north along the Cato-Fair Haven Trail into Fair Haven.
Only hikers, pets on leashes, bikers and horses are allowed on county's 30 miles of trails during the spring and summer, though ATV riders do already frequent the stretch in question.
The Oswego Valley ATV Club wishes to see that stretch of trail open so riders can have a route from Oswego County to the Village of Fair Haven. The club would maintain the trails in exchange for the access, according to the resolution.
The resolution has been approved by the county Parks and Trails Commission and the Public Works Committee.
Public Works Chairman David Axton said representatives in both Fair Haven and Cato have expressed support for the resolution.
"Almost every question that could be asked has been answered," Axton said.
For the full report, read Wednesday's edition of The Citizen.
Michael Chapman said he has received letters and calls from citizens about the topic. These vehicles create "unique damage" to the trails, and the resolution does not even define the term "ATV," Chapman said.
"I believe this (would be) opening the door for this type of use on the trails," he said.
Legislator Daniel Sincebaugh brought up liability issues the county could face with motorized vehicles on the trails. He asked whether the county could be sued should a pedestrian be hit by a vehicle on the trails.
County Attorney Fred Westphal said someone could file a lawsuit, though both the county and the area ATV club that wishes to use the trails are insured.
Legislator Raymond Lockwood requested the resolution be tabled to work out some of the language.
The area in question would stretch west along the Hojack Trail from Oswego County to the Cato-Fair Haven Trail, then north along the Cato-Fair Haven Trail into Fair Haven.
Only hikers, pets on leashes, bikers and horses are allowed on county's 30 miles of trails during the spring and summer, though ATV riders do already frequent the stretch in question.
The Oswego Valley ATV Club wishes to see that stretch of trail open so riders can have a route from Oswego County to the Village of Fair Haven. The club would maintain the trails in exchange for the access, according to the resolution.
The resolution has been approved by the county Parks and Trails Commission and the Public Works Committee.
Public Works Chairman David Axton said representatives in both Fair Haven and Cato have expressed support for the resolution.
"Almost every question that could be asked has been answered," Axton said.
For the full report, read Wednesday's edition of The Citizen.
