Petersburg may consider letting ATVs on Mitkof Island roads

PETERSBURG — Voters in southern Alaska may find a question about whether to allow all-terrain vehicles on the roads of Mitkof island on this year’s ballot.

Local four-wheeler owner Richard Burke plans to collect signatures this spring for a vote to allow ATVs and snow machines on local streets, KFSK-FM reported Wednesday.

Burke said allowing four wheelers and side-by-sides — two- to six-person off-road vehicles — on Petersburg roads gives people an affordable transportation option. He also said that for residents who already own off-road vehicles, there aren’t many options.

“You spend $7,000 or more on a four wheeler and all you can do is illegally plow snow with it,” Burke said. “I’d like to be able to ride to the post office occasionally or to the grocery store. I’m a single guy. Most of the stuff I buy I can fit on my four wheeler.”

Petersburg currently does not allow ATVs, side-by-sides or snow machines on any streets. Police chief Kelly Swihart said his department doesn’t strongly enforce those rules, particularly in winter.

“It’s Southeast Alaska, we get a lot of snow at times and we don’t wanna hinder that. So as long as people are being responsible while they’re plowing, they’re not going to have a problem with us,” he said.

Swihart said he wants to remain neutral on the possible ballot question.

Burke has drafted an ordinance based on municipal code from Thorne Bay on Prince of Wales Island. He plans to submit the ordinance to the borough for certification soon.

After the ordinance is certified, Burke will be able to start collecting signatures to get the issue on the regular election ballot in October.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A girl uses her cellphone at Bronx High School of Science in New York on Jan. 11, 2016. (Yana Paskova for The New York Times)
Juneau School District seeks feedback from community on cellphone policy

The conversation rises from cellphone bans happening nationally and at the state level.

Juneau International Airport is getting new leadership in its administration and board of directors. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Assembly names two new airport board members in shakeup after budget stalemate

Angela Rodell and David Epstein, both former members, to get quick start at seeking solution this week.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Blank posts are seen where the two totem poles once stood at the Fred Meyer main entrance on Feb. 7, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Fred Meyer totem poles get a second chance at life

Tlingit master carver says they will be refurbished with tribal youth and repurposed.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Feb. 7, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Construction progress on a new Kaladi Brothers warehouse in Midtown Anchorage is seen on April 22, 2024. Of all major Alaska economic sectors, construction had the highest percentage increase in nonresident hire in 2023, state economists report. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Nonresident hiring in Alaska hits new record, state analysis shows

The number of nonresidents working in Alaska hit a new record in… Continue reading

Most Read