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Newport City votes to allow ATVs on public streets

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NEWPORT — In a vote of 414 to 294, voters in Newport City on Tuesday have decided to keep in place an ordinance to allow all-terrain vehicles on downtown streets.

In October of 2019, the City Council voted 3-1 in favor of a five-month “trial period,” that allows ATVs to be allowed on select routes in Newport, starting May of this year.

When the ordinance takes effect, riders must ride single-file, and ATVs will still be banned on public property.

In November of 2019, a group calling itself FIGHT BACK 05855, submitted a petition opposing the ordinance.

Newport City resident Amy Gillespie, the chief organizer of the group, said that the petition was only a way to allow the community to have a say in whether the ordinance got voted in or voted down.

She said she felt the community wasn’t included in the real discussion and planning process for the ATV routes, nor was the city council.

The sixth month trial period will end in October.

1 Comment

  1. Can’t wait to smell those beater ATV’s down Main Street. Those beautiful 2 stroke fumes, and loud exhausts just blending with nature. Maybe I should just quit hiking and take up this seat on your ass sport…

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