Driving wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs) on Woodland city streets will now be legal after the city council unanimously passed an ordinance at its July 18 meeting.
The ordinance allows the operation of WATVs on nearly all of the streets within city limits.
The vast majority of streets are covered in the ordinance, with the exception of Atlantic and Pacific avenues. All WATVs operators will be required to obey traffic laws and operators are subject to the same penalties for traffic infractions as other vehicles on city streets, according to the new city code.
Those operating WATVs in town will need a legal driver’s license and WATV registration with the state. Additionally for on-road use, a WATV must be inspected at a licensed dealer or repair shop for those types of vehicles. Currently, Woodland has two of those shops: Addiction Powersports and Woodland Saw and Cycle.
The ordinance specifically allows operation of WATVs on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Outside of city limits, Cowlitz County has its own ordinance allowing for WATV operation on county roads with similar speed limits.
“I just think with everything going on with gas prices and things like that, it’s just a good option … to get around town,” Councilor Melissa Doughty said.
Councilor Carol Rounds agreed.
“It’s just another form of transportation here in Woodland and I see nothing wrong with that,” Rounds said.
The idea for WATVs on city streets was first brought to the Woodland Planning Commission in April. City Administrator Peter Boyce said it came to the city’s attention through citizen input.
Councilor Jennifer Rowland remarked on the ordinance being a perfect example of the city listening to its citizens.
“This was brought up just a few months ago from the citizens and now we’re doing a second reading and passing it,” Rowland said. “I think it just reinforces how important government is in being involved, and (citizens) actually showing up and talking to us.”
Councilor Monte Smith said if the ordinance causes more of a nuisance than a benefit for Woodland, it could be rescinded.
“If this (ordinance) is abused, it can be taken away just as easily, so I hope people realize that they can’t go out there and be idiots,” Smith said.
