Snowmobile route through Waukon to change Feb. 1

Upon suggestion by the Allamakee Sno-Blazers Snowmobile Club, the Waukon City Council gave its approval at its January 17 council meeting to a revised snowmobile route through the town of Waukon, effective February 1. According to Allamakee Sno-Blazers Vice President Brandon Fahey, the revised route is simplified from the previous one and will be clearly marked prior to its February 1 effective date. The new route still complements an existing route that provides a by-pass alternative to snowmobiling through Waukon.
The Sno-Blazers also remind snowmobilers that it's imperative that they stay on the marked trail through the community and stay off of sidewalks and yards in order for such a route through town to be retained. A reminder is also issued to obey all rules and regulations in regard to snowmobile usage. Some of the more pertinent points of Chapter 75 of the City of Waukon Code of Ordinances, which deals with snowmobile usage in Waukon, are published below:
• No person shall operate a snowmobile on public or private property anywhere within the City between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., except in an emergency.
• No person under the age of 16 years shall operate a snowmobile on public or private property anywhere within the City.
• No person shall operate a snowmobile on any privately-owned property within the City except with the express consent of the owner, lessee or other person in lawful control of such property.
• No person shall operate a snowmobile on or across any City street, alley, other public right-of-way or any other public property including City parks and recreation areas, except as specifically permitted in the following subsections:
1. Emergency. On any streets in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where snow or ice upon the streets renders travel by conventional motor vehicles impractical, for purposes of necessary transportation directly connected with such emergency.
2. Designated Trails. On trails or routes on public property, including streets, which are designated by resolution of the Council and which are marked by appropriate signs giving notice that snowmobiles may be operated on and along such trails or routes.
3. Public Areas Provided for Snowmobiles. On other public areas specifically designated for snowmobile use by resolution of the Council.
4. Incidental Use. On streets between a place where a snowmobile may be lawfully operated, as provided above, and the residence of the operator or owner of the snowmobile, the place of storage for the snowmobile, or a commercial establishment where a snowmobile is to be refueled, serviced or repaired. Any snowmobile operation on City streets under this exception shall be restricted to the shortest route between an area of permitted snowmobile use, as provided above, and a permitted destination, as provided in this subsection. A person operating a snowmobile on a street other than a designated snowmobile trail or route, as provided in subsection 2 above, shall have the burden of proving that such operation complies with the exception stated in this subsection.
5. Crossing of Street. On a public street for purposes of crossing the same, provided that such crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; the snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled portion of the street; the driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard; and the crossing is made only at an intersection of such highway with another public street.
• No person shall operate a snowmobile on any public property within the City, other than streets, unless the snow and ice cover on such property is not less than four inches in depth. No person shall operate a snowmobile on any street unless the snow and ice cover is not less than one inch in depth.
• It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile on any public or private property within the City at a rate of speed greater than 15 miles per hour, provided the circumstances are not such that a lesser speed would be prudent; in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage thereto; while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics or habit-forming drugs; without a lighted headlight and taillight from sunset to sunrise and at such other times when conditions provide insufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles at a distance of 500 feet ahead; while in possession of a firearm unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case; without having such snowmobile registered as provided for by Iowa law, except that this provision shall not apply to the operation of a snowmobile on the private property of the owner by the owner or a member of the owner’s immediate family; without having in force at the time of operation a policy of insurance affording coverage for the operation of a snowmobile against liability imposed by law for bodily injury or death and for property damage; to leave or allow a snowmobile to be or remain unattended on public property while the motor is running or with keys for starting the vehicle left in the ignition; or for racing any moving object while on a street.
• No item shall be towed by a snowmobile unless coupled to said snowmobile by a rigid tow bar.
• It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile on any street abreast with one or more other snowmobiles.
• While being operated on streets, snowmobiles are deemed to be motor vehicles subject to all provisions of this Code of Ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles, except as may be modified by the City Ordinance.
For more information about the revised trail route or about membership or other information pertaining to the Allamakee Sno-Blazers, contact Fahey at 563-568-4931 or at snoblazers@yahoo.com. Fahey reminds that paid memberships to the Sno-Blazers are crucial in being able to maintain well-groomed and marked snowmobile trails throughout Allamakee County.