Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter on behalf of my wife Judy Machen, myself and many friends.
We are 70 years young and are enjoying a new pastime hobby of ATVing. We are having so much fun and meeting new friends.
This is the fastest growing sport in the country, and I must say we, after two years, have not had one bad or unsafe encounter on the trails, and safety seems to be the number one priority.
I want to congratulate the people and townships for opening up the rail trails to all taxpayers to use and thank you to the OPP for their part and being fair and helpful.
The amount of tourism dollars being brought into the townships is fantastic, and the jobs are countless – ATV sales, mechanics, parts, lodging, restaurants and lots of “Tims.”
I can only hope that my municipality, Guelph/Eramosa Township, and others will follow suit. Please Mayor Chris White, allow ATVs to ride on the trails.
Yes, there will be accidents and mistakes but that is with anything we do in life – cars, bikes, scooters, motorcycles, or any sport. We can’t live in a bubble at 70 years old.
These trails should be for everyone; we all paid for them.
So come on out, get the kids out of the basement, off the game console and into the fresh air.
I guess the fun-killers wont like my letter but that’s all I have to say for now. I am going riding with my wife and friends.
Jim Machen,
Guelph/Eramosa
*Editor’s note: Mayors generally do not have the authority to unilaterally make such decisions. Changes in policies/bylaws require the approval of council and, often, staff input.