Eaton County plans to allow off-road vehicles on back roads

THURSDAY, Jan. 20 — A proposed county ordinance that would enable off-road vehicles to legally drive on several dozen Eaton County roadways is generating criticism from the city of Lansing.

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing last month for a new ordinance that would legally allow off-road vehicles (like ATVs and UTVs) to operate on mostly backcountry, rural roadways. All state and federal highways and streets identified by the county as “primary roads” would still be off limits, as well as all roads in Benton and Delta townships.

Board Chairman Jeremy Whittum said the proposal was motivated, in part, by a large group of ORV enthusiasts who have lobbied the Commission for the ordinance for the last few years.

“Throughout Eaton County, I’d say there are at least 250 people or more who have encouraged us to pursue this ordinance,” Whittum said. “We’re not talking about major thoroughfares. This is mostly just for back roads, and most of those would be lucky to see 50 cars throughout the day.”

The proposed ordinance would also not impact any roadways in the city of Lansing, Whittum said. But given the city’s close proximity to the eastern edge of Eaton County, Mayor Andy Schor is still worried.

“I am concerned that if Eaton County allows this, people will use these ORVs when they cross the county border, as people may not understand that the law changes when they cross Waverly,” he said. “This change in Eaton County could cause confusion and may lead some to believe they can now legally operate ORVs in Lansing  — whether in Eaton or Ingham County.”

Lansing cops have been dealing with an uptick in illegal off-road vehicles darting between traffic on busy streets and zipping down quiet neighborhood blocks, Schor said. And he thinks the ORV proposal would only make the situation worse and create a residual effect in Lansing.

Schor also said Delta Township officials are opposed to the ordinance, though Supervisor Ken Fletcher said he had no problem with the ordinance because Delta Township wouldn't be affected.

Whittum told City Pulse this week that the Commission has no plans to backtrack on its ordinance as a result of Schor's concerns. Ultimately he has to look out for the interests of his own residents, he said.

“I wouldn’t blame the Lansing City Council if they wanted to do their own thing to crack down on ORVs if that’s a problem over there. If Lansing wants to say no to ORVs, then they can do that,” Whittum said. “Every municipality can make their own decisions on what’s best for their area.”

He also added: “With so much homicide in Lansing, I’m not sure ORVs should be the concern.”

Schor, for his part, only offered his feedback because the Commission had specifically asked for it. In a letter to the Commission in December, Schor also noted that “adding the potential for ORVs to be in the area would further complicate enforcement of an already difficult situation.”

The Lansing City Council also discussed the issue at a committee meeting this week and plans to submit a resolution in opposition to the ordinance.  

ORVs are  prohibited on Lansing streets, though cops have had difficulty apprehending those drivers because they are often able to quickly escape down back alley streets, Schor said. Until officers get a grip on enforcement, he’s worried that more ORVs will create more problems.

“If they see an officer, they generally flee the area at high speeds, creating a serious risk to their safety and the safety of others,” Schor explained to both county commissioners and City Pulse.

Still, Whittum said that he plans to vote in support of the new ordinance, without any amendments, when it comes back to the Commission. It could take effect by next month.

The proposed ordinance would also require ORVs to stay in single file on the right side of the road and drive no faster than 25 mph “in a manner which does not interfere with traffic on the road.” — and only during daytime hours. ORV drivers must also have a driver’s license, or be at least 12 years old and under the supervision of a parent or guardian with a driver’s license.

While the proposed ordinance maps out which specific roadways will be open to ORVs, it would also allow them to cross over any roadway in the county — as long as they come to a complete stop and it’s only for the sole purpose of continuing travel on more desolate designated roads.

Click here to view a map of the roadways that would be impacted by the proposed ordinance.