Petition for Side by Sides (UTVS) and ATVs to be legalized to operate on County Roads in Henderson Co.

We the understanding are petitioning the members of these local governing bodies to pass a Ordinance to legalize the use of Side by Sides, UTV's, and similar vehicles, commonly known as Yamaha Wolverine" "Rangers" "RZRS","Rhinos", "Gators", 4 wheel ATVs Etc., on all County within Henderson county.The popularity of these vehicles has exploded in the recent years and there are many people who would benefit from being able to legally operate them on county roadways. These benefits are not just limited to the operators of these vehicles. There are many reasons why this would be beneficial to both the owners of the communities within the County.The recent surges in fuel costs are one of the big reasons for this petition, whereas many people would choose the use of the side by sides, UTVS, And ATVs to save fuel, much in the same way that many people choose to ride motorcycles to save fuel. These vehicles do not burn as much fuel as a full size vehicles do, so this would benefit the operators, Also many people have to trailer their vehicles to other areas of the County to ride for recreation and unlike motorcycles and mopeds, these vehicles could be used year around they are much larger than motorcycles and mopeds, and therefore making them more visible to other drivers. This increases safety for both users and non-users. These vehicles are actually much safer than motorcycles and mopeds, both of which are legal to operate on public roads, due to this the fact that UTVs have full roll cages and seat belts, headlights, Horn, turning signals, SMV sign, rear view mirror, side mirrors,and even orange flag on a whip, most vehicles are required to carry insurance.The use of these vehicles on County roads could be regulated through the use of registration stickers which would have to be purchased through the County or other governing body so designated. They could be registered yearly for a fee just as other motor vehicles that would godirectly to the County and put to immediate use in whatever way the County would benefit for the community most. The use of these vehicles would also have certain regulations and requirements that would have to be met to be legal to operate on the County roads and failure to follow these guidelines would have the same penalties as failure to adhere to other vehicle regulations and guidelines, and that could also potentially benefit the County in fines paid from these offenses. We feel that the basic requirements for operating on public roads for safety ofall motorists would include the following: Headlights - visible at least 500 feet, 2 taillights visible at least 300 feet, turn signals in front and back, eye protection for driver and passengers, either windshield, helmet, or glasses, seat belts for all occupants, UTVs have full roll cages, horn,SMV sign, rear view mirror, side mirrors, and even orange flag on a whip if needed, most vehicles are required to carry insurance. Must maintain the same minimum and maximum speed limits as all other vehicles, must obey all traffic laws the same as all other vehicles In some Illinois counties that have allowed UTVs and ATVs operate on their County roads have seen their revenue increased, Clark, Perry Counties to name a couple, and several other states have legalized regulated use of them on public roads throughout the entire states Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Kansas, Wisconsin to name a few, what we are not proposing is an "open season" for all UTVS, ATVs it should not be viewed that way, Driving is a privilege, not a right, regardless of the vehicle, and we are simply requesting that you consider approving the use of these safe, alternative forms of transportation on all public County roads within the County for trail riding the County roads as well as hunting, going to your stand or blind and back, in a regulated and controlled manner, to benefit both the operators of these vehicles as well as the community overall. We appreciate your time and consideration of this matter. Mercer county ordinance for UTVs utilizing Mercer countys roads has passed, by also passing Henderson county ordinance for UTVs and ATVs utilizing our own county roads will help both of our and Mercer countys revenue. Thank you