The City of Long Beach wishes to authorize limited use for certain wheeled all-terrain ATVs , the side by side wheeled all terrain vehicle (WUTV), on all city streets.

Allowing ATVs on the streets will have a negative effect on the way of life here in Long Beach and possibly most of Pacific County, who would be expected to follow suit if the ordinance is passed in Long Beach. The ordinance defines streets “Public Roadways” to mean every avenue, drive, way, lane, road, street, boulevard, and every way or place in the city open as a matter of right to public vehicular traffic inside the city limits.

So, what’s the problem allowing ATVs on our public roadways? ATVs are designed for off-road use, first and foremost to be used recreationally on trails, back roads, off road and areas like beaches and dunes. ATVs lack many safety devices required for street vehicles and are very loud!

Washington sets a 96-decibel level (louder than a leaf blower riding next to you). Many modified ATVs can reach 130 decibels (dangerous to hearing over 30 seconds). While I enjoy Rod Run once a year, I don’t want to live with it every day.

I am also concerned that this ordinance could make peninsula beaches susceptible to ATV misuse even if that is not intended. The beaches and access points are currently woefully under policed, with speed limits and regulations ignored by many users. ATVs are designed for joyriding through all terrain and once they are buckled into their ATV, a visitor will assume the right to access and drive the beach (and surf, and dunes). Why else did they bring the ATV to the beach?

I don’t enjoy the blatant disregard for safety and others shown by drivers speeding, joyriding, driving onto the beaches and dunes, and loud engines gunning for attention on an ATV safari (it’s a thing). Ever heard 20 ATVs approaching at once? You will if Ordinance 1033 is enacted!

I urge you to voice your opposition to Ordinance 1033 to keep our “streets” safer, our neighborhoods quieter, and our natural areas less disturbed.

WADE FREITAG

Seaview