Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Is it Time to Ban Snowmobiles Altogether?

Recently, Sharon Springs school district residents concerned for the safety of their children have decided to speak out against the gangs of marauding snowmobilers who somehow believe they should have the right to ride their vehicles on school property. Of course, the critics are right. These machines are really quite dangerous. They are free-roaming and can approach very high speeds. Allowing them on school grounds poses a significant threat to school children. One resident recently called for the resignation of Jim McFadden, a Sharon Springs school board member who has supported the idea of allowing snowmobilers to pass through the school grounds. Whether McFadden should resign or not is a separate matter. However, it seems like every winter there are issues of public safety and quality of life being raised by residents complaining of snowmobilers. There are numerous concerns. The snowmobile treading has been know to cause damage to private property and public road surfaces. The noise that can be heard at all hours of the night is a nuisance. There are also numerous safety issues posed by intersections of roads and snowmobile paths, and then there’s the potential threat to pedestrians. That’s not to mention the danger to the riders themselves. By the way, there also a monumentally stupid and unnecessary waste of fuel. Add all this up and you get one more nuisance that we just don’t need. Snowmobiling is both a nuisance and a threat to public safety. Let’s end the bickering by banning snowmobiling completely.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

"What..Me Riding Roughshod?" GREAT GRAPHIC ART! :)

Anonymous said...

Very simple.

If other motor vehicles are permitted to pass through school grounds, snowmobiles should be allowed as well.

If not, not.

Anonymous said...

"there also a monumentally stupid and unnecessary waste of fuel."
Yeah, well it's a waste of fuel for you to drive to Starbucks in Crossgates for a super killer latte. Or to drive that same SUV to the ADKs to hike some loverly trail in the High Peaks Wilderness. Just some more goofy examples. How to YOU 'waste' fuel??

The Sledders DO go too darn fast, at all hours; but watering down your rant with a stoopid statement like that... just STFU.

Anonymous said...

Schoharie County is poor enough now!!! A resonable solution should be thought of before you deny snowmobiles. Snowmobiling generates revenue to local restaurant and tavern owners. I am not a snowmobile rider but Schoharie offers NOTHING. No theaters,bowling alleys, mini-golf etc...Maybe young people wouldn't become criminals if their hometown offered something. Our Politicians need to get their head out of their A S and do some good for this beautiful but floundering County.

Sean said...

Yes, of course you're right. I was just trying to pick a fight. Didn't work very well though...(hey, sometimes I get bored).

It seems like there's a group of people in this county who are always on the lookout for anything that people do to have fun and then try to BAN it!

Skateboarding, snowmobiling, smoking in the park...it seems like if one idiot is bothered by something they have to lead a crusdade against it to give meaning to their pathetic lives.

Anyway, gotta go to Starbucks...got a real craving for an iced caramel macchiato with soy milk...

Anonymous said...

Quit looking to the government to provide "fun things to do" make them happen yourself.

It is illegal to ride snowmobiles on road, unless otherwise marked. If the school puts up "no snowmobiling signs" then its trespassing. If they put 15mph sign, then have a cop sit there, monitor and ticket.

Sean said...

"It is illegal to ride snowmobiles on road, unless otherwise marked. If the school puts up "no snowmobiling signs" then its trespassing. If they put 15mph sign, then have a cop sit there, monitor and ticket."

No, let's find better ways to use our local government's resources.

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

The post just in front of this one should be deleted as it is simply unpaid advertising...and adds nothing to this thread

saneuv said...

By the way, there also a monumentally stupid and unnecessary waste of fuel.
According to the National Park Service, a 2-stroke snowmobile produces 300 times more hydrocarbons than driving an automobile