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RickB4 (Kentucky)
Posts: 23
Posted:
Our HOA has a rule which bans motorized vehicles in our open spaces. There is even a pretty stiff fine as well.

The problem is: how to enforce this?

We are having problems with people riding ATV(s) and maybe sometimes motorbikes. As you might guess, most call the HOA and the people doing it ride off quickly and we usually don't know who did it or have any evidence, other than a report from a concerned homeowner.

What do others do to handle this?

We are considering signage as a possibility.

We are also wondering if use of barriers (like choke points at trail entrances) would be effective? Thinking something like a chain, between two poles (which could be removed for mowing/maintenance access) might work. Could also use boulders, but they are difficult to move and less flexible than cheap gates, like a chain and padlock type solution ... which allows walkers and perhaps bikers, but not atv(s). Maybe a sign could be posted on this choker location with trail rules.

Most of our trails have fairly narrow entrance points to them, but a few are in the middle of larger fields ... and would be more difficult to control access to (i.e. to large to fence or put boulders around).

We have also sometimes had a few problems with people taking off road vehicles into the open spaces and tearing up stuff. Not sure how to prevent that.

Ideas / thoughts greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Rick
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Rick,

Other then fences, signage and hiring someone to follow the individuals, I don't have any other suggestions for you.

RickB4 (Kentucky)
Posts: 23
Posted:
I'd be curious how many with exensive open space areas use which of the solutions:

A-none or nothing
B-fencing, or choke points
C-signage only
D-other (specify)
BruceF1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 2,535
Posted:
Rick,

We have hiking trails that are maintained by the state parks. Graphic signs at the entrances show the permitted uses: hiking (including walking and jogging), bicycling, and horseback riding), and the prohibited uses: ATV, vehicles, motor bikes. The only motorized vehicles permitted are motorized wheelchairs and scooters used by people with disabilities.

Locked gates are at each entrance. The gates can be opened to accomodate maintenance and emergency vehicles. Unfortunately, any opening wide enough to accomodate a person can also allow passage by a motor bike.

Still, people are pretty good about proper use of the trails. Some people have been known to ride motor bikes and ATVs on the trails, usually gaining access at points other than the entrances.

Pictures of the signs are shown in the attachment.
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