As I drove home from work Monday afternoon, I witnessed a rather large person on a rather small ATV drive down Central Avenue between Fred Light Museum and Heritage Christian School then turn into the school grounds and eventually disappear down a back alley.
This isn't the first time I've seen ATVs on Central Avenue as well as the walking trail beside Eiling Kramer Campground and Fort Battleford usually operated by adults, and on some occasions with adults and children sharing the ride.
Has the ATV become so ubiquitous as to be invisible?
It is obvious non-enforcement of laws forbidding the use of these machines on anything but private property and specific town bylaws prohibiting their use within town limits has led ATV owners to believe no such laws exist.
I've tried the citizen's arrest approach - confronting riders and explaining the rules. That usually ends with at least one participant in the conversation being likened to a female dog.
I've tried the calling the police approach. There was a day when I would actually get a response, but those days are long gone. As you can see from the pages of this edition the RCMP have way bigger fish to fry when it comes to law enforcement.
Perhaps it is time for the town to employ a town constable with the power to prosecute those who so blithely flaut the law. At least at first, the fines generated should pay some of the cost of such a measure.
But maybe it is just time to legalize the things. Make owners put plates on them. That would give me a break from elevating my blood pressure in what is really a futile situation.
