As traffic gets heavier during Cook County’s busy tourist season, it is more important than ever for people driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to ride safely and courteously. The Cook County ATV Club board would like to remind ATVers—locals who are used to riding our quiet city streets and county roads throughout the year, as well as visitors traveling the same roads during the height of the season—to follow all traffic laws.
The Cook County ATV Road Task Force Ordinance allows ATVs to ride on the streets of Grand Marais and on country road shoulders unless the roads are posted closed. However, anyone riding on county roads must be a licensed, insured driver, and the machine must have a rear-view mirror. Having a mirror is not only required by the ordinance, it greatly increases rider safety, making it much easier to be aware of your surroundings.
. ATVers are required to follow all traffic rules as any other vehicles— always make complete stops at the stoplight, stop signs, and respect areas closed to vehicle traffic.
. State law requires ATVs to keep lights on day or night. It helps other vehicles see you. The Cook County AT V Club offers these additional safety tips:
. Use appropriate hand-signals to let other drivers know your intentions.
. Dress appropriately—even though the weather is hot, be sure to wear appropriate shoes for driving.
Consider wearing something reflective so other vehicles can easily see you, especially early in the morning or late evening. Helmets are not required for any rider over
18 years old, but the ATV Club recommends helmets for everyone.
. Consider getting an affordable and easy-to-install whip flag for your machine for increased visibility.
They are available locally at Steve’s
Sports, Arrowhead Outdoor,
Thompson’s Performance and
Superior North Outdoor Center.
The Cook County ATV Club will once again be hosting an informational booth on First Avenue West in Grand Marais during Fisherman’s Picnic on Thursday – Sunday, August 4 – August 7. Stop by to talk to ATV Club members if you would like to know more about ATVing and ATV safety in Cook County. We’ll be happy to talk to you.
We want everyone to stay safe so they get out and have some riding fun this summer!
Mickey Brazell
John McClure
Betsy Perry
Rhonda Silence
Vilnis Neilands
Gene Lashinski
Steve Fleace
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