Off-road vehicles like ATVs and dirt bikes have long been banned on public roads in Colorado, but Pitkin County is only starting to enforce the law this summer.
Pitkin County is teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service to patrol county roads, especially in areas that see heavy use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The move comes after commissioners voted last year to better enforce the state-wide ban. Counties are allowed to selectively permit OHVs on roads, but public survey results leaned toward restricting their use here.
There had been complaints about the vehicles in popular backcountry spots, like Smuggler Mountain Road and Richmond Ridge above Aspen Mountain. Several retail shops in Aspen rent out the vehicles; they are being asked to direct visitors to Forest Service roads that allow OHVs, and to steer clear of county roads.
Forest Service rangers will patrol popular spots, and violators will see a warning, then a $250 fine.