Anyone know if it is legal to ride power lines in NY? There is one near me covered with ATV tracks, but not sure if it's legal to ride it.

 

I don't think it is legal but dont let that stop you if everybody else are riding them

 

WE RIDE POWER LINES ALL THE TIME NEVER HAD ANYONE SAY WE COULDNT, SOME TIMES WE RUN INTO A FENCE,EITHER ASK FOR PERMISSION TO CROSS OR GO AROUND FENCE, I DONNT THINK RIDING A ATV IN NEW YORK STATE IS EVEN LEGAL, NOT ACCORDING TO SOME LAW OFFICERS,

 

The power lines are on private property. I know because they run on mine. The power company pays the landowner (in my case, a whopping $2/acre/year) for the easement. I would suggest you make some effort to contact the landowners before riding. Have some respect for the landowners rights, or you will ruin it for everyone.

 

I rode them in Il by my house and got caught by the cops cause i was crossing a rode(stupid). no ticket just made my dad come get me and my friend(dropped us off earlier) so it is illegal but no one really cares. I rode them by business districts so no one cared if i ripped up alittle grass.

so just stay away from roads and you should never get caught unless a cop goes on foot, which is extremly unlikely.

 

I totally agree that peole who own ATV's need to respect owner's rights. I also have to balance that with the fact that I just bought a $6000 4-wheeler that I can't ride anywhere! It's a little frustrating! I won't resort to ripping up private property, but I wish NYS would realize it is the 6th largest OHV selling state and set aside some land!

I contacted an official at NYSORVA an he said exactly what you did. The Power co. leases the land. He also said that it is unlikely that either the owner or the power co. will allow a sole rider access. Snowmobile clubs are granted access because they are properly organized, registered and insured, so the oly hope if for an ATV club to go through the same channels.

 

Well, Loofer, that is just ignorant. I own land that a power line passes through and I CARE. Do you honestly believe what you wrote? First of all, if nobody cared, it wouldn't be illegal. Perhaps what you meant was "it is illegal but no one WHO DOES IT really cares." It is because of disrespectful crap like this that we have nowhere to ride legally, and probably never will. Some people just need to realize that what they do affects a lot more people than just themselves.

 

I joined NYTRO which gave me automatice membership in NYSORVA. Joining, supporting, and participating in clubs like these give us a voice in NY. Not having someplace to ride is political... there are more people complaining about illegal riding than there are people requesting legal riding areas. It is a pretty simple concept... the loudest voice (i.e., the most voters voicing and opinion) wins. The more members NYSORVA has the louder our voice. If you want a place to ride, you have to work for it... your first step should be to join a club. Plus, where else (besides forums like this) do you get to meet people that share your passion for riding?

 

First of all before you rip me apart. The power lines I ride also run along the railroad tracks. If you ever ride the tracks (area to the side of) you know it is very rough and it doesn?t matter if any damage is done because it goes unseen. I also ride the access roads, which are rutted dirt roads. It is NOT private property it is basically a strip of land that goes for miles and is some of the roughest land you will ever ride...it is owned by the state or township it runs through. Of all the businesses back there no one complains. Everyone that is out on lunch watched me and asked question about my ride. My final note is....I have never ridden or trespassed on private property. I don?t disrespect the land I ride on either. So next time you feel the need to rip into someone you might want to remember to gather your facts first?..OK? Thanks

btw-i havent ridden there in years and when i did i was on my KX125. So i currnetly dont ride there.

 

OK OK guys, settle down! I just wanted to know who rides power lines and who shouldn't. The legal answer is that no one should without proper permission. We all need to join clubs and make our voices heard. There certainly isn't a lack of fervor to drive change is there??

I agree with you 2YellowSportsman. I am a member of the Adirondack Dirt Devils. I'm sending out applications to NE Division of NYTRO (thus NYSORVA as well), and to the Vt ATV Assoc too.

Now everyone take a breath...exhale, and ride responsibly. Later guys.