The Pennsylvania Trailrider

The Pennsylvania
Trailrider
The Official Newsletter of the
Pennsylvania Off Highway Vehicle Association
PAOHV Newsletter Spring 2009
An Anti-OHV Township Ordinance Coming
To A Township Near You
By Denny Mann
Executive Director
“Now, do residents have the right to enjoy their land free of noise and dirt, or do they have the right to
do what they want on their property without listening to a bevy of complaints? Or might there
be a happy medium?” asks Jennifer L. Hawbaker
The numbers are growing, and because of rowdy riders
townships everywhere are looking for ways to regulate OHV
usage. During my tenure, PaOHV has attended township
meetings in six different counties. Unfortunately, the interval
between meetings is growing shorter. The vote on such
ordinances is often done without the knowledge of the
local residents. Local newspaper announcements usually
go unnoticed, so most of the time residents have no idea of
the agenda slated for their township meetings. Regrettably,
residents are then stuck with an ordinance that may require
riders to only operate OHVs hundreds of feet from their
property line and/or only during specific hours.
The three main complaints township supervisors receive
regarding OHV usage are noise, dust, and trespassing.
Townships may already have rules that address these issues,
but often enforcement doesn’t exist. Since money is tight and
police are expensive, the quick fix is to pass a new anti-OHV
ordinance. Yet, the reality is the problem continues, and the
township has yet another ordinance that isn’t enforced.
From PaOHVs prospective these OHV specific ordinances
are extremely prejudicial. Laws must protect everyone from
the annoyance and apply to all sources of the annoyance. To
say that OHVs are the only source of noise, dust, or trespassing
is simply wrong and biased. A fair noise ordinance should
apply to everyone that produces noise above a standard level.
Without a reference point and standards, such an ordinance
would not withstand litigation. If a case is taken to court, the
township would loose at a considerable cost to the tax payers.
In August of 2008, PSAT’s PA Township News published
an article by Jennifer L. Hawbaker, which described various
nuisances facing township supervisors across Pennsylvania.
After reading the article, I must say the rogue element within
our sport has created a huge problem statewide. Riders are
producing unbearable noise, making dust, and trespassing.
The article listed various solutions that townships in
Pennsylvania have used. Unfortunately, the anti-OHV option
from Northampton County has appealed to many township
supervisors.
It is time for all of us to step up before the dark side of our
sport ruins it for all of us. Turning the other cheek is not
an acceptable method of policing fellow riders anymore.
Standing on the side of lawful operation of OHVs is our only
option. We must change with the times.
Our role must include protection of the sport 24/7. Think
of it as riding for the future. All of us must pay attention to the
law, police the lawless, monitor the law makers, and become
an active supporter of our recreation. Our image must change,
or we will loose. What good is an OHV that can’t be ridden
on our own property? What good is a new riding park when
you can not start your OHV to load it? The anti-OHV train is
running, and it is our duty to apply the brakes.
The township supervisors across the state are facing
a dilemma, and they need our input. The article clearly
describes the problems they face and gives examples of
options. Without our input at the township level these
options may become ordinances. This is why I strongly urge
every OHV owner to become active in their community. The
township supervisors are regular people just like you and
me, some ride but most do not. We must provide insight to
the non-riding public, so they can understand our position
better. Townships must make laws that apply to everyone
equally, and PaOHV is here to help. Our organization can
provide valuable information regarding laws governing OHVs,
education to promote sensible riding, and mediation in OHV
oriented disputes.
Not one of us likes to be disturbed in our home and the
same goes for our neighbors. Please help your township
officials to find the happy medium.
PaOHV Reponds to Small
ATV Prohibition,
MIC Establishes
“Stop the Ban” Website
Last month the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s
banned the sale of ATVs and Motorcycles for use by children.
The ban was part of a comprehensive product prohibition
based upon lead content.
Although children would have no reasonable exposure to
lead from these products, the CPSC included them on the list
of prohibited items.
The Motorcycle Industry Council has established a web
site to communicate progress toward overturning the ban.
The web site also contains information supporting the argument for reinstating sales of these products. The web address
is (http://www.mic.org/letters.cfm) .
Support of the OHV community is necessary to reinstate
the sale of these products. Please visit the website anda ct as
needed to support the right to ride.
Below is the letter PaOHV Executive Director Denny Mann
sent to the CPSC on February 5.
Under the present interpretation of the charge, the Commission has deemed ATVs and small motorcycles as being
a threat to children. It is true that some alloy materials
commonly used to manufacture motor vehicles may inherently contain levels of lead that are (or ultimately will be)
above the current, or future more aggressive, limits set forth
in the Act. Components of the drive train and wheels may
be affected in small ATVs and motorcycles.
February 5, 2009
Commissioners
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C.
Dear Commissioners:
On August 14, 2008, Congress enacted the Consumer
Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA or Act).
The Act was in reaction to the influx of lead-tainted toys
that resulted in numerous recalls and significant public
outcry for more stringent government standards. The
CPSIA requires manufacturers of “Children’s Products,”
defined as those products designed or intended primarily
for children 12 years of age or younger, to meet increasingly stringent lead paint and lead content standards and
to certify, based on third party testing, that the products
meet the Act’s requirements. Products that fail to comply
with the prescribed lead limits are considered a “bannedhazardous substance” and cannot be sold or offered for
sale.
Nevertheless, the lead in these components is self contained and inaccessible to children. Therefore, it is virtually impossible for a child to suffer lead exposure from an
ATV or a motorcycle.
We are asking that the Commission to grant a petition
for exclusion under the conditions established by the Act.
We are asking that his exclusion mirror that utilized by
the European Union. Furthermore, we request that this
exclusion be granted before the February 10 deadline to
prevent harm to dealers of such product and to protect
consumer choice.
Sincerely,
As you are well aware the Commission is responsible
for the regulatory oversight of CPSIA and has set effectively a deadline of February 10 to begin enforcement of
the law.
Dennis Mann
Executive Director
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DiBerardinis Resigns
Motorama 2009 Draws
Crowds Wanting Training,
Riding Areas
DCNR Secretary DiBerardinis has submitted his
resignation to Governor Ed Rendell effective April 3.
DiBerardinis will become the head of Parks and Recreation for the city of Philadelphia. This is the same position he held when Rendell was mayor.
At press time, no successor has been named.
By Bob Connor
Research Director
Senator Questions DCNR’s
DiBerardinis On Budget
Off Highway Vehicle issues took center stage at the
state Senate’s March DCNR budget hearing. Each
department of state government is called upon by the
House and Senate to defend the Administration’s budget
request.
Senator John Wozniak (D-Cambria) asked if there
were any ATV trails opened other than Rock Run in
Cambria County. Secretary DiBerardinis said that Rock
Run is the only one of its kind. The Secretary reported
that the first year or two of operation have been very
successful, attracting riders from not only the county but
all over the state. DCNR hopes to duplicate the project
in other areas of the state and have extended new connector trails to expand riding opportunities through
the state parks. Senator Wozniak then asked how many
acres of state forest land the DCNR owns. Deputy Secretary Grace responded that there are 2.1 million acres of
forest land.
These questions may appear relatively insignificant.
But in the inside baseball of Harrisburg, such questions
send a signal to the departments that the legislative
branch is monitoring their activity. The message from
the Senate to DCNR is clear. The legislature is watching
OHV issues.
PAOHV members staff score display at motorama.
PAOHV again this year had a popular booth at Motorama in Harrisburg in February. Each year more and
more people express interest in responsible riding practices. PaOHV attends the event to promote the Association and the SCORE rider training program.
Attendees also wanted guidance in finding legal riding areas. Residents from other states were especially
interested in what Pennsylvania has to offer. New Jersey,
for example, lost its only riding park last year. From what
New Jersey residents told me, a replacement park is not
planned.
PaOHV administrative agent, Don McClure, produced
pamphlets listing public and private riding areas in
northern and southern Pennsylvania. The pamphlets
provide a written copy of the information found in the
“Where to Ride” section of www.paohv.org. We also
discovered a great riding area in northeastern PA. Irish
Valley Motocross & ATV Park operated by Tim Krebs in
Paxinos will be added to “Where to Ride” on our web
site.
West Virginia Hat Field and McCoy trail system attracting $7.7 million into its local economy from OHV tourism. I would hope Pennsylvania can see what potential
is available to stimulate its economies surrounding these
wonderful riding areas and help support this effort.
If any one knows of riding areas that are not listed or
inaccuracies of listed riding areas please contact me at
[email protected]. We can maintain accurate information on “Where to Ride” with your assistance. I would
like to thank all of the people who gave time to make
Motorama weekend a success-Andy & Tammy Krape,
Fred Bauerle, Denny Mann, Mark Katrina, Roeg Williamson and Sam Dauguerty.
Advertise on Visitpa.com
Did you know that the Commonwealth’s tourism website offers free web listing to any firm in Pennsylvania?
Free business listing on www.visitpa.com is available
for any business in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, free
listing on www.pawilds.com is available for any business located within the 12 county marketing region of
the PA Wilds--Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Clearfield,
Clarion, Jefferson, Elk, Forest, Cameron, Clinton, and
Lycoming. Visit the websites for terms and conditions.
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Lioi Announces Availability
for Safety Training
PaOHV Corporate
Bio-Rider Insurance
Submitted by Rider Insurance
PaOHV member Robert Lioi is available for safety
training at Raccoon Creek State Park. Lioi is a safety
trainer for DCNR and the ATV Safety Institute.
Students must have an ATV, helmet, goggles or safety
glasses that completely cover the eyes, gloves, boots over
the ankles, long pants and long shirt. Both classes are
similar in content. Topics on riding techniques, safety
and respect for the environment are discussed.
Those seeking ASI classes should contact the ATV
Safety Institute at 800-887-2887 or online at: www.atvsafety.org. Request a class at Raccoon Creek State Park,
Site # 107942. Call Mr. Lioi directly at 412-477-4233 to
schedule a DCNR class.
ASI classes cost $125 for adults and $75 for children.
However, ATV manufactures that belong to the ATV
Safety Institute offer free classes when you purchase a
new ATV. Some offer two to three free classes per ATV.
Call the ASI 800 number learn if you qualify and what
the incentives are available for taking the class. Be sure
to have your VIN handy to expedite your inquiry. The
course is part classroom and part practical riding. Students get a class book and a carrying card once the class
is completed.
The DCNR class costs $50 for each per student. The
course is both classroom and practical and is very similar to the ASI class.
All Safety Trainers are encouraged to send their 2009
schedules to PaOHV. The Association will post them on
the www.paohv.org. Information should be sent in Word
to [email protected].
At Rider Insurance, we understand who you are and
what you do. Founded in 1971 by motorcycle enthusiast
Harry Bleiwise, and built on his dedication to riding,
Rider hit the open road full throttle and will never stop.
Currently the largest motorcycle insurance provider in
New Jersey – and the only carrier serving the motorcycle
community exclusively – we are expanding operations to
provide our Low Cost, Best Service, No Hassles coverage
to our fellow riders on the highways and back roads of
Pennsylvania, Ohio and beyond. Rider’s friendly, knowledgeable representatives are committed to providing the
exceptional customer care needed to get you going with
ease, and our coverage will give you peace of mind while
enjoying the freedom of the open road.
We will show you the difference… Ride with Rider!
Rider Insurance Joins
PaOHV as
PA Trailrider Sponsor
Rider Insurance of Springfield, New Jersey has
joined PaOHV as a corporate member and newsletter sponsor. Rider Insurance offers a full line of
insurance products for dirt bikes and ATVs including
multiple liability and coverage options. Rider Insurance is licensed to provide coverage in Pennsylvania,
New Jersey and Ohio.
PaOHV welcomes Rider Insurance and its support
of off road recreation in Pennsylvania. Visit www.
ridewithrider.com or call 800-595-6393 for more
information. Be sure to read the related business
biography on Rider Insurance.
PaOHV Scores Big Win In
Fairview Township
Fairview Township (York County) supervisors
December 1, 2008 unanimously defeated an anti-OHV
ordinance brought before the panel. PaOHV led the fight
against this measure arguing that it was unenforceable,
poorly designed and unnecessary under existing law.
PaOHV was joined by an aggressive coalition of
national and sister organizations.
Opponents of the ordinance executed an
extraordinary demonstration of resistance. Fairview
Township officials followed the will of the people in
defeating the measure.
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Construction, Economic
Conditions Claim
Quadfest 2009
PaAtving LLC and Mountain Ridge Trails Resort have
announced the cancellation of QuadFest 2009. The
event has been held at Mountain Ridge ATV Trails Park
in Central City since 2004. Mountain Ridge Trails Resort
will continue to service the ATV community. The facility remains open for business. Only Quadfest has been
cancelled.
Quadfest fell victim to windmill construction at Mountain Ridge and a PaATVing corporate restructuring. The
sponsors express thanks to participants for making past
events not just an ATV ride, but a community celebration of Family ATVing. The sponsors recognize the hard
work and support of numerous people who contributed
to Quadfest’s successes. QuadFest will be remembered
as the biggest ATV weekend event on the east coast.
PaOHV Teams with Citizens
to Beat Locust Township,
Columbia County, Ordinance
PaOHV and the citizens of Locust Township scored
another win for the right to ride on February 5, 2009.
The Locust Township supervisors unanimously defeated an ordinance written to restrict riding to properties in excess of one acre and impose noise standards.
The ordinance defined ATVs in such broad terms as to
include traditional OHVs, children’s toys, riding lawn
mowers, and the family SUV. Pulling into a driveway
would have been an illegal act under this ordinance.
The supervisors acted during an unusual 9:00 a.m.
meeting that drew sharp criticism from the Bloomsburg
Press Enterprise. The Press Enterprise criticized supervisors for holding the meeting at a prohibitive hour
that would doubtless depress attendance. Still, 150 plus
citizens attended to voice opposition.
PaOHV Executive Director Denny Mann and representatives of Valley Forge Trail Riders delivered testimony urging defeat of the measure. No one in support
of the ordinance stepped forward to speak when asked
to do so by the supervisors.
The meeting was covered by television stations in Wilkes Barre and the local newspaper.
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PaOHV Welcomes
Returning Corporate
Members for 2009
Dennis Blocker
Blocker Enterprises
Parryville, PA
Dick Lepley
Street, Track, and Trail
Conneaut Lake, PA
Robert J. Felmlee
World of Wheels, Inc.
Seneca, PA
Randy S. Zeigler
Dean’s Harley
Davidson, Inc.
Sellersville, PA
Joseph White
White’s Harley
Davidson Sales, Inc.
Lebanon, PA
Robert Means
DuBois Motorcycles
Plus, Inc.
DuBois, PA
William Bentley
Bentley’s Yamaha,
Suzuki, Inc.
Murrysville, PA
Don Kissinger
Don’s Kawasaki,
Yamaha, Sea Doo
Hellam, PA
David Moore
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, PA
Craig Bear
B & B Sales and Service
Manheim, PA
Craig Bear & Duane
Summers
Yamaha of Camp Hill
Camp Hill, PA
David E. MacDermott
M & M Repair Center
Stillwater, PA
Brenda Fitch
Majestic Kamp & Lost
Trails, Inc.
Rew, PA
Clifford J. Murray
Cycle Max
Honey Brook, PA
Joe Askins
Off Road Express
Erie, PA
Steve Seltzer
Steve Seltzer Honda
Altoona, PA 1
Andrew Stutzman
Rausch Creek
Trailriders
Valley View, PA
Robert Bornick
Sharon Cycle Sales and
Service Co.
Sharon, PA
Bob Logue
Bob Logue Motor
Sports
Williamsport, PA
Randy Texter
Lancaster Harley
Davidson, Inc.
Willow Street, PA
Jim Keister
Xtreme Power Sports
Selinsgrove, PA
Sequoyah Monroe
Motorcycle Superstore
Medford, Oregon
Ernest Miller, Jr.
Miller’s Yamaha
Lemont Furnace, PA
Linda Devlin
ANF Vacation Bureau
Bradford, PA
Michael Scott
Scott Powersports, Inc.
Coopersburg, PA
South Penn Enduro Riders (SPER)
designated Batten Disease research as
the benefactor of its Michaux Enduro
in September.
Batten Disease is a genetic
neurological disorder affecting
children. According to the Batten
Disease Support and Research
Association, affected children “suffer
mental impairment, worsening
seizures, and progressive loss of
sight and motor skills. Children
with Batten Disease/NCL become
blind, bedridden, and unable to
communicate. It is always fatal”. Only
3 of 100,000 children born each year
in the United States will have Batten
Disease.
SPER raised $800 for Batton
Disease research at the Michaux
Enduro. This represents one more
example of how PaOHV members and
OHV enthusiasts give back to their
communities.
Ann Hartzog
The Quadfest
Northern Cambria, PA
Mark Katrina
Willow Hill Family
Camp and
Trail, LLC
Willow Hill, PA
Dick Sidle
Lebanon Valley Cycles
Jonestown, PA
SPER Support
Batten Disease
Research
Glen A. Werkheiser
Keystone Outdoor
Recreation
Tunkhannock, PA
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Above and below SPER member raise funds for
Batten Disease Research.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
P A I D
Permit No. 762
Harrisburg, PA
P.O. Box 61741
Harrisburg, PA 17106-1741
PAOHV Welcomes New Club Members:
Reading Off Road Riders
Reading, PA
Central Mountains ATV Association, Inc.
Lock Haven, PA
PAOHV Welcomes New Corporate Members:
Ray Merriman
ATV Traction, Inc.
Beaver Falls, PA
Jim Beaver
North Branch Industries
Catawissa, PA
Skip Stoner
Cycle Tech, Inc.
Lewisberry, PA
Tanya Paitakes
Rider Insurance Agency
Springfield, NJ
PAOHV Board of Directors
Denny Mann
Executive Director
Mike Babusci
Assistant Executive Director
Roeg Williamson
Administrative Director
Jack Clark
Legislative Director
Dave Marchese
Finance Director
Bob Connor
Research Director
Bob Abernethy
Public Information Director
Rob Yahnite
Hilltop Lodge Track and Trail
Emporium, PA
Advertise Here!
Call
866-314-2079!
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