With the recent snowfall throughout Western New York, the 2010 snowmobile season is off to a great start, and so are the complaints.
Residents are frustrated, the Webster Town Supervisor is irritated and snowmobilers are on the defense. The town of Webster seems to be having the same trouble again this year, as in past years, with illegal snowmobile riding in the town.
Webster Town Supervisor Ron Nesbitt has received many phone calls from angry residents and property owners about snowmobiling issues since the start of the winter season. He says the snowmobilers who were reported were riding illegally on residential lawns and driveways, and off the designated trails.
The law states that a snowmobiler can ride on the outer embankment of snow between the sidewalk and the road in the village to get to a trail. One point Supervisor Nesbitt wanted to make is that, “the resident’s do not own the land between the sidewalk and the road.” He expressed that he has no problem with snowmobilers riding safely in those areas. 
The problem arises when riders go too fast on the embankments and ride when not enough snow covers the ground which can result in damaged lawns and driveways. The minimum requirement is 3 inches of snow. Many snowmobiles have sharp blades and when they ride over driveways to get to each embankment, they ruin the asphalt. Driveways are pricey to replace, and residents are angered when the reason for replacement is due to an illegal snowmobiler. That is completely understandable, and that is why law enforcement officials have been out trying to catch offenders.
The Webster Police department has five or six officers trained on snowmobiles and this year, they have already written about 20 tickets for snowmobile offenses. Another problem is, some snowmobilers ride off the designated trails, which is illegal. Trouble spots in the town include North Ponds Park, the railroad tracks and the NYS bike trail. Snowmobilers are not allowed in these areas which are clearly marked. The police department is aware of these places and they monitor them closely.
It is important to realize that these offenses are only coming from a small number of riders. There are legitimate clubs in the area to support safe and legal riding.
The Webster Ridge Runners is a snowmobiling club dedicated to following the rules while having fun. The club has over 650 members. President of the Wayne County Snowmobile Federation, Randy Phillips, says, “We think that the law from the town is very fair.” He also said people who break the rules go against the ideals of the club.
They work together with law enforcement officials to promote the law. Chief of Police, Gerald Pickering, says “There is a lot of support for snowmobiling in this town, and the majority of snowmobilers are law abiding people”.
There have been threats to abolish snowmobiling altogether and that's the last thing avid snowmobilers want to have happen. Rider, Chuck Sanduski, said “this is a passion for me, my getaway and there is a lot of stress in my life with work, this is my freedom.” Both Supervisor Nesbitt and Chief Pickering said that banning snowmobiles is not something they want to have happen, but on the other hand if snowmobilers cannot follow the rules, there may be no choice.
On the State level New York State Park Police as well as State Police are working with the local Sheriff’s Offices, Forest Rangers, Department of Environmental Conservation and snowmobile clubs to promote safe driving on the trails throughout Western New York. During the 2008 -2009 snowmobile season there were over 21,000 registered snowmobiles in the Western New York area alone. Snowmobiling is a popular recreation throughout Western New York and area law enforcement agencies want snowmobile operators to have a fun and most importantly a safe season.
During the 2008 – 2009 season there were a total of 55 snowmobile accidents in Western New York, 47 resulted in injuries and 3 were fatal. According to the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation there were 323 snowmobile accidents statewide, unsafe speed was the primary cause of 86% of the accidents and alcohol involvement was identified as a factor in 50% of last year’s fatal accidents. Today, New York State Park Police Major David Page announced, “The State Park Police and the State Office of Parks are committed to actions that result in a safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience for snowmobilers, the landowners who host the snowmobile trail system, and motorists who encounter snowmobiles at road crossings and trailheads.
"Through enforcement actions, education, and coordinated planning with other law enforcement agencies and the snowmobile community, we will make every effort to help keep snowmobiling a safe recreational activity.” Major Page added, “We will continue to prioritize the enforcement of snowmobile speed limits, and operating while intoxicated laws, both of which continue to be the primary factors in fatal snowmobile accidents.”
Through a joint effort, law enforcement agencies and snowmobile clubs hope to provide safe and enjoyable trails for snowmobile enthusiasts. This will be done through education, such as safety courses, reaching out to the community and strict enforcement. Snowmobilers will see law enforcement officers on the trails, providing assistance and enforcing the New York State laws. New York State Police Major Christopher L. Cummings, stated, “Law enforcement agencies throughout Western New York will be committed to ensuring the safety of snowmobilers utilizing the trails this season. We will be coordinated and unified in our enforcement actions to identify persons who choose to operate a snowmobile in violation of the law.”
SOME SAFETY TIPS
- Do not operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Follow speed limit signs, the mandatory New York State speed limit is 55 mph unless otherwise posted
- Always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing
- Snowmobiles must be properly registered and insured
- Advise family or friends where you will be sledding and when you plan on returning
- Have a survival pack or emergency supplies on hand
- Consider taking a snowmobile safety course
- Check the weather conditions before leaving
The best advice for snowmobilers is to educate themselves about the laws and help to educate other riders.
For a map of the trails Click Here.
The Webster town website also has a list of laws for snowmobilers Click Here.