Reno Gazette Journal 7-11-10

Lyon County petition targets nuisance off-road riders

Lyon County residents are circulating a petition seeking an ordinance against nuisance off-road riders and their fugitive dust.

The vehicles under scrutiny include ATVs, dirt motorcycles, quads, and all other all-terrain vehicles.

The group of signature-seeking residents has complained about the speed at which the vehicles travel down local roads and the noise and dust they create.

"Citizens are tired of the noise, dust and possible hazard," said acting Lyon County Sheriff's lieutenant, Abel Ortiz, during a recent community meeting.

Ortiz said the Stagecoach Advisory Board has asked for a flier or a poster to alert youths that it's against the law to drive ATVs and dirt bikes on public streets at a high rate of speed.

At this point, the Lyon County Sheriff's Street Enforcement Team will be monitoring all-terrain vehicle use in the county.

Lt. Rob Hall said the sheriff's office doesn't want to restrict people from riding, people just need to be courteous: "What we are looking for is some courtesy between the riders and residents."

In west-central Lyon County the primary areas of concern are along U.S. 50 East, Dayton Valley Road, Six Mile Canyon Road, Stagecoach and other areas that riders frequent.

Deputies have been distributing an information flier reminding off-road vehicle drivers to be courteous and safe while riding.

Having riders who listen to the request could very easily be what saves them from being regulated by a county ordinance that could limit the use of off-highway vehicles.

The petition would be presented to the Lyon County commission.