Asbury council to vote on ATV, UTV access to city streets

The Asbury City Council is scheduled to take up an ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs on city streets during its July 14 meeting.

The proposal would limit vehicles to 35 mph and require working brakes, headlights, taillights and side mirrors. Operation would be permitted only between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Drivers would need to be at least 18, hold a valid driver’s license and carry insurance, according to the same report.

Mayor Jim Adams said the change would help local businesses. “We’re becoming a destination,” he said. “If we’re going to promote our businesses, we want the best for them to be successful, then we should make their customer base accessible as well.”

Jason Laaker, owner of High RPM Motorsports, called it a potential boost. “I think it would be a boom for Asbury because I’ve seen how side-by-sides has helped our local businesses like Dockside Bar and Grill and Durango Depot and Eichmann’s,” Laaker said.

Resident Mark Dowell opposed the idea. “If you have any kind of accident between ATV, UTV, and a car, they’re going to lose big time,” he said. “It just seems like it’s adding a problem we don’t need.”

The council rejected a similar measure in 2023.