Rhinelander Common Council discusses allowing UTVs on Lincoln Street

The Rhinelander Common Council Monday night put off a decision on whether to allow utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on Lincoln Street, with alders saying they want more information  before moving forward.

Reaction to the topic was mixed as some members expressed concern about adding more traffic to the city's busiest corridor while others argued the vehicles are already permitted on every other city street and that modern UTVs are equipped with safety features comparable to standard automobiles.

Alderman Bob Lueder made the case for opening Lincoln Street to UTVs, noting that the council has already approved their use on every other non-state highway street in the city, including Steven Street. "The fact that UTVs are already being used on the street really has no bearing," he said, referring to adjacent stretches. "It's just that one mile stretch of road." Lueder also pointed out that UTVs are legally capped at 35 miles per hour on city streets, come equipped with roll cages, seat belts, headlights, turn signals, and brake lights, and are considerably larger and more protective than traditional four-wheelers.

Alderperson Carrie Mikalauski echoed that view, arguing that with a roll cage and five-point harness, a UTV traveling at 35 miles per hour is "basically a car without panels." She also raised a practical concern: visitors staying at hotels along or near Lincoln Street who arrive by UTV currently have no way to access restaurants and businesses on that stretch, since the city's trail network doesn't connect there.

Mayor Kris Hanus suggested the council consider a January 1 effective date if it eventually approves the change, giving ATV clubs time to update their trail maps before the change takes effect.

But several aldermen pushed back. Alderman Gerald Anderson said the council has revisited the idea periodically in recent years and consistently concluded that Lincoln Street, which he called arguably the most heavily traveled street in the city, is too dangerous for vehicles that were built for off-road use. "I'm not aware of anything that's changed that would make it any safer," he said.

Alderman Steven Jopek said he wanted to see safety studies before casting any vote. He cited a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study that he said acknowledged UTVs — sometimes called side-by-sides or ROVs — vary significantly in their safety profiles and that some models present serious risks. "I don't think they're designed to be in a head-on collision with an F-150 going 40 miles an hour," he said, adding that he would be opposed to expanding UTV access on the street absent data showing the vehicles are safe in that environment.

The council last updated its all-terrain and utility terrain vehicle ordinance in December 2020, with the previous update in June 2019.

The council ultimately directed administration to gather accident data involving UTVs on city streets and to prepare a map showing which Lincoln Street businesses are currently inaccessible via UTV routes, with the item to return to the agenda once that information is compiled.