TESTIMONIALS   Bikers, Trail Riders WIN! On February 8th, 1999, the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors met to consider an amendment to the local noise ordinance. The amendment would have made it a class 1 misdemeanor to operate a motorcycle, trail bike, go-cart or similar motor vehicle not equipped with a muffler or other sound dissipative device in the County or to remove or render partially inoperative , or cause to be removed or rendered partially or fully inoperative, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair or replacement, any muffler or sound dissipative device on a motorcycle, trail bike, go-cart or similar motor vehicle. The second section of the proposed ordinance was just as bad because it would have made it a class 1 misdemeanor for any person or persons to simultaneously operate, or permit or cause to be simultaneously operated more than three motorcycles, trail bikes, mopeds, mini bikes, go-carts or similar motor vehicles on property which is located less than 1,000 feet from any residence. A class one misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or bothWith an outpouring of citizens from the off road and on road riders in the county I was able to convince the Board that this was an ordinance that was not a good idea. When it came time for the vote, the ordinance was defeated. On May 18, 1999, off road riders had their second test. The County of Prince William was gearing up to consider an ordinance which would have required a person to own 10 acres of land before they could operate a dirt bike, mini bike or ATV. The hearing room was packed that night with off road enthusiasts, many of those attending spoke and educated the Board about what this sport means to them and their families. Finally, the Board agreed to study the issue and those of us who were present decided we needed to pursue a course of action to stop the insanity of banning this sport and find a legitimate place for it in the county. As a result of this scare the Prince William Off Road Coalition was formed. It`s purpose is to preserve the right to ride off road in the county and to find a legitimate site for this sport. If you are interested in learning more about this group you can contact them through their e-mail address PWORC@aol.com One of the things we learned in Prince William is the amount of money the county is putting into recreation facilities for various sports, it is amazing. They don`t mind spending for soccer, baseball, football, fitness centers, pools, etc. but they don`t want to talk about off road recreation. If you ride off road you may want to go to your county administrator and get a copy of the budget for your county and find out what is being spent for sports related facilities. You just might be amazed. Why isn`t some money being set aside or budgeted for off road ? Return to previous page