It is found that the operation of motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles
and similar off-road vehicles can result in serious bodily injury
or death, can be a public nuisance to residents and landowners, a
breeding ground of trespass and property damage, and be dangerous
to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Town of Windham.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
A self-propelled vehicle designed to travel over unimproved
terrain and which has been determined by the State of Connecticut
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to be unsuitable for operation on the
public highways and is not eligible for registration under Chapter
246 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
C.G.S.
Connecticut General Statutes.
DIRT BIKE
A two-wheeled motorized recreational vehicle designed to
travel over unimproved terrain and not designed for travel on a highway
as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-1.
MOPED
A two-wheeled, pedal-assisted, motor-driven vehicle capable
of carrying one or more persons at low rates of speed and includes
a scooter, Vespa and other similar or related vehicles.
MOTORCYCLE
A two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle capable of transporting
or carrying one or more persons, such as a dirt bike, trail bike,
motor-cross, endurance, or a flat-track.
MOTORIZED GO-CART
A small low-motor vehicle with four wheels and an open framework
used for racing and recreation.
OPERATE
Unless otherwise provided, to control the course or otherwise
use.
OWNER
Unless otherwise provided, the owner of the all-terrain vehicle.
TOWN
The Town of Windham.
The operation of an all-terrain vehicle within the Town shall
be in compliance with the following regulations:
(a) The hours of operating an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike shall
be from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
(b) No person under 16 years of age shall operate an all-terrain vehicle
unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or unless the all-terrain
vehicle is operated on property owned or leased by the vehicle owner.
(c) No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike less
than 25 feet from any adjoining property line within the geographic
limits of the Willimantic Taxing District or less than 10 feet elsewhere
within the Town, except for an authorized law enforcement officer
or other officer authorized under C.G.S. Section 14-386, while on
duty and acting within the scope of his/her employment.
(d) Each all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike operated by an internal combustion
engine shall be provided with muffler(s) designed to prevent excessive,
unusual, or unnecessary exhaust noise. Said muffler(s) shall be maintained
by the all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike owner in good working order
and in constant operation.