Young ATV and dirt bike riders who don’t have a licence could soon have a place to ride if council agrees to a proposed new ATV bylaw.

Dave Pruden, the city’s bylaw manager, brought forward the proposed bylaw at Monday’s council meeting.

The change would essentially enable those without a licence to use the dirt bike track area off of Robert Service Way.

As Pruden noted, city bylaws had been amended in 2015 to state anyone operating an ATV, snowmobile and the like had to have a valid driver’s licence, registration, insurance, helmet and vehicle equipment to ride in the city.

“In light of the history, the current ATV bylaw restricts the use of the leased dirt track land to ATVs that are in full compliance with the ATV bylaw and are operated by persons who meet all the provisions of the ATV bylaw,” Pruden stated in his report to council.

“As such, youth are unable to participate in sporting events or activities on the leased land, and many riders operating dirt bikes are in contravention of the existing ATV bylaw.”

The changes would allow youth a place to ride without violating the bylaw.

They would also enable the Yukon Cross Country Motorcycle Association (YCCMA), which leases the land, to operate there without violating the provisions of the bylaw.

“YCCMA is in favour and supports the City of Whitehorse placing maps and signage at the leased area advising users of the ATV bylaw rules and permitted MMU trails throughout the city,” Pruden said.

“Additionally, the YCCMA advocates that when ATV users have a designated track to use instead of riding on unauthorized trails there is a positive impact to the environment.”

He pointed out the YCCMA has stated its commitment to education and placing signs in the area to advise its users of the legal obligations while operating within the city.

The proposed bylaw would also allow council, through the bylaw process, to designate similar sites in the future.

It includes provisions for managers of bylaw and/or parks and community development to designate – without going through council – areas for special ATV events that are taking place over a period shorter than two weeks.

Questioned by Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu, Pruden confirmed that the section of the bylaw requiring helmets to be worn by riders would remain in place for those using the site.

Coun. Samson Hartland wondered whether some sort of similar bylaw changes would be coming for snowmobile riders.

Pruden explained that the ATV issue was dealt with first because of the need to deal with the leased area.

Pruden said the city may look at something similar for snowmobiles down the road.

Meanwhile, delegate Keith Lay of the Active Trails Whitehorse Association brought forward concerns about the changes.

He questioned whether they would allow only card-carrying YCCMA members to use the leased area, noting those users should be required to carry their cards with them while enjoying the site.

Lay also commented there should be requirements that parents or guardians supervise youth at the site.

As well, other areas and events should not be used, nor should city management be able to approve such events that are less then two weeks’ duration, Lay said, as that would essentially allow for “popup” events.

Lay also put forward the argument that ATVs and bikes should be driven on a trailer to the site.

Council will vote on whether to move forward with the bylaw next month.