By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Crowsnest Pass may require helmets for ATV users

Oct 31, 2016 | 11:22 AM

CROWSNEWST PASS – Some new safety requirements — including helmets — could be coming for all-terrain vehicle users at the Crowsnest Pass.
 
The municipality allows the use of off-highway vehicles on road right-of-ways in non-urban areas. But after hearing residents’ concerns over the past several months, council is considering some new safety rules in those areas. And that includes helmets, along with requiring a licence, a 20 km/h speed limit, and a minimum age of 14.
 
“We have had a few accidents over the past year, that accidents may have helped save people, that there was head trauma involved in those accidents,” Patrick Thomas, the head of operations, said. He explained the proposals have been looked over by legal counsel.
 
Also, even when allowed on a road right-of-way, Thomas said the principle would require the least amount of conflict with other traffic, meaning use of ditches or shoulders.
 
Councilors also suggested large fines for lack of compliance, Thomas said.
 
Right now it’s only being discussed at the committee level, and some tweaks could still be made. If it moves forward, the next step is discussion at the December 13th meeting, followed by a bylaw in January or February.