Ride CT & Ride New England Serving New England, NYC and The Hudson Valley!
HARTFORD – Here we go again. Yet another attempt to open trails on state land to all-terrain vehicles. This time it’s state Rep. Rob Sampson (R-80th) who wants 
to provide ATV enthusiasts with places to ride.
Sampson’s introduced Proposed Bill No. 5143 in the General Assembly that asks “That the general statutes be amended to permit the creation of riding trails for all-terrain vehicles on state-owned land.”
It’s a great idea that’s decades overdue, and thoroughly redundant.
Other states in the region have miles and miles of trails available for ATVs and dirt bikes. These same states reap revenue from registrations and sales tax on machines and accessories; often from Connecticut residents who shop and ride out of state.
After being introduced, the bill was referred on Jan. 9 to Environmental Committee. Co-sponsor of the bill is Sen. Joe Markley (R-16th).
As I said, it’s a great idea, if redundant, and one that’s likely headed nowhere.
A similar effort was made two years ago with a slightly different bill that would have established an all-terrain vehicle division within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to create and maintain ATV trails in the state.
Registration of ATVs would have been required, with half of the ATV registration fee being deposited is an “all-terrain account” that the DEEP would have used to create and maintain trails for ATV operators and to assist in the law enforcement of ATVs.
Guess what happened? After a public hearing and approval from the Transportation Committee, it died.
What’s the point this time? To pass another law that never gets enforced?
That’s what happened in 1986. Yes, 29 years ago, the General Assembly actually passed a law requiring that such trails be created. It stated that the then-D.E.P. “shall make available” state property for off-road riding, which makes Sampson’s bill redundant.
Excuse my initial skepticism and cynicism over this fresh effort to create trails. The statute that Sampson seeks to create already exists. It’s just ignored and not enforced – to the consternation of off-road enthusiasts and ATV/dirt bike dealers.
So, once again, what’s the point?
As introduced, the bill is sketchy and bare-bones. That’s usually the case.
Once a public hearing is held – if one is ordered – and information is gathered, the bill will then get refined. If anyone is truly serious about finally establishing a trail network, what will be needed is an equitable funding mechanism to maintain trails and pay for their upkeep, someone to perform that function.
More importantly, what’s needed is a drop-dead deadline for the opening of ATV trails and a way to ensure yet another law doesn’t get ignored.
Dirt bike photos courtesy of Honda/Quad photo courtesy of Yamaha
I think it’s a great idea I ride myself and would love to have a local trail to go to with my family.
I am 53 and having been trying to get the state to open up land for riding since I was 11 . You are a wasting your time. The state does not want anyone on state land. Not for boating , swimming , picnics, camping, parking , and most of all dirt bikes or atv. The state wants you to sit home and pay your taxes. So the idiots in government and make higher pay
Is it legal or not to ride in CT anywhere? I see the registration information for it, but I see all these posts and I’m thinking twice about registering it for use off my property. So, it’s register it for CT to get more money, can’t ride it on a street, or anywhere else… I’m very to the riding family, but absolutely love it. Any advise or help would be appreciated.
Should have proof read that. Lol someday I riding dreams will come true keep our fingers crossed.
I would just like a place close to home to ride my ATV with friends as a recreational sport. My atv is not registered in ct there is no incentive. I’m registered in New Hampshire because they allow us to ride. We usually get together on Sunday go out for a couple hours come home watching football it’s a great day. In the last few weeks I’ve gotten two tickets. But it’s a risk we take to have fun. We dont wake up every day and say hey let’s go break the law. But it’s the only way to ride in Connecticut. I’m a family man I work everyday. Just want to place to ride. We could be doing so much worse things what are so drinking and drugging. Being on my quads is the only drug I need.if it cost me a couple tickets so be it. I think the state makes more money off it being illegal and they would to make it legal. Pretty sad.
Been waiting and signing petitions for years. We are hard working tax paying people that just want a legal place to ride.
Why wouldnt you want us to have legal riding
areas?
I have been riding a dualsport bike (road legal dirt bike) for years, with the proper laws these bikes are quiet and safe. I have ridden trails in many states and know from experience that properly chosen trails require little to no maintenance.. Down trees can add to the challenge and rocks don’t wear out. If there is mud it just stays mud. I haven’t seen any permanent damage or need for maintenance. Usually if there is maintenance required it is done while riding, like moving a large branch. These trails don’t need manicuring. If the trail gets closed it rapidly disappears and is hard to distinguish I know from much experience.
Surprisingly I’m against this. I hope this doesn’t happen.