The Haines Borough Assembly next month is expected to introduce an ordinance that would permit all-terrain vehicles to operate on borough streets and roads.

The topic was a discussion item at Tuesday’s assembly meeting, at the request of members Jerry Lapp and Scott Rossman.

“I think a lot of people could save money on gas with this, and I think an ATV is just as safe on the road, if not safer, than a bike, if used properly,” Lapp said.

He said the borough already allows snowmachines on the same roads proposed for ATVs, and a borough permit for ATVs would produce revenue.

The assembly examined a more than 2,000-word draft ordinance prepared by resident Jim Shook with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour for ATVs on borough streets and roads.

“My goal is the safe and responsible use of ATVs and snowmachines on borough streets and roads, while broadening mobility options and reducing transportation costs for many borough citizens,” Shook wrote in a letter to the assembly.

Borough manager Mark Earnest said the ordinance would be used as a template for the borough’s attorney as he drafts an ordinance for introduction. The assembly’s next regular meeting is Tuesday, June 14.

Shook said he drew most of his information for the ordinance from regulations in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin. He noted ATVs are not allowed on state roads.

“I was surprised to find out how many towns across the country, not just in Alaska, that it’s legal,” Rossman said. “I thought maybe it was kind of an Alaska thing, but it’s not.”

Member Daymond Hoffman said he “generally” supports Shook’s proposed ordinance, but also would like the assembly to discuss other forms of transportation, such as skateboards, skis and electric golf carts, that could be addressed in code.

Shook referred to specific code sections from Wisconsin and Bethel, Dillingham and Nome and said other forms of transportation could be added.

“As ATVs and snowmachines consume only minute amounts of fuel, we will not only save a lot of money, but will consume less fossil fuel and thus drastically reduce our carbon footprint,” he wrote. “ATVs are more visible and far more stable and inherently safer than bicycles or motorcycles.”

The ordinance would require ATV operators to be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver’s license and register their vehicle through the Division of Motor Vehicles. Operators also would be required to supply proof of insurance upon demand, and to have a lighted headlight and taillight and right and left rear-view mirrors on the vehicle.

Resident and bike shop owner Thom Ely sent a letter to the assembly before Tuesday’s meeting to state his opposition to the ordinance.

He called ATVs “an accident waiting to happen” on borough streets and said ATVs would impact road shoulders and public and private property used as shortcuts for ATV travel.

“I request that you do not change the code to allow ATVs on our city and borough roads,” Ely wrote. “They do not belong there and will be a detriment to those of us who like to walk and bike in our community for health, transportation and fitness.”

The ordinance states, “No persons shall operate an off-road vehicle within the Borough on another’s real property without the express written permission of the owner of the property.”

Police chief Gary Lowe said he had spoken with Shook about the ordinance.

“It’s very well-written, he did a lot of research on it, I’m still in the process of researching it and I’m not exactly sure which way my recommendation would go at this time,” Lowe said. “There’s a lot of good points in there and there’s a lot of questions that I have. I’m not opposed to it and I’m not in favor of it at this time.”