Petition Launched Over ATV Tour Proposal

April 6, 2018

BEST is asking anyone who hasn’t already objected to the ATV tour proposal to sign a petition sheet, which is available at a number of locations.

A spokesperson said, “In November 2017, the Ministry of Public Works invited public comment on the proposal to permit All Terrain Vehicle [ATV] tours in the West End: along the Western railway trail and into Scaur Hill and Hog Bay Parks. More than 600 people expressed their objection, while only 2 people expressed support for the scheme.

“Opposition by a number of local groups, representing an even greater number of individuals, has resulted in the formation of a coalition with the name of Protect Our Parks. Those groups are:

      • Bermuda Audubon Society
      • Bermuda Botanical Society
      • Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce [BEST]
      • Bermuda National Trust
      • Farmers’ Association
      • Greenrock
      • The Garden Club of Bermuda, and
      • The Heydon Trust

“Technical officers of the Parks Department have also expressed opposition in light of the extra burden that will be put on them to monitor adherence to the rules of conduct of the tour participants and to rectify environmental damage that will unquestionably be caused by these vehicles.

“Most recently, over 200 signatures were collected on the Petition at the start of the Bermuda National Trust’s Palm Sunday Walk.

“While innovative ideas for tourism are to be encouraged, those schemes must not result in an erosion of the quality of life for Bermuda’s residents by further limiting access to open space away from heavily-trafficked roadways.

“Our railway trails and parks are for the peaceful enjoyment of all residents and we encourage your signature as an expression of support for our right to a voice in the protection of those amenities.

“Finally, while we continue to investigate whether all of the required permissions have in fact been secured for the operation, and whether it is lawful, we are asking anyone who hasn’t already objected to the ATV tour proposal to sign a petition sheet, which is available at the following locations:

      • The J&J Produce stand at Melville Estate, Devonshire
      • Amaral’s Farm stand on Middle Road, Devonshire
      • Windy Bank Farm in Smith’s
      • Tom Wadson’s Home Farm Market in Southampton”

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Category: All, Environment

Comments (5)

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  1. watching says:

    I was against this ATV proposal when I first heard of it.
    The thought of people riding recklessly over our hills and valleys, with no regard for pedestrians could cause injuries etc and destroy our natural peaceful habitat.

    Then I got informed. These ATV’s will only operate weekdays during the middle of the day, and a speed that is NOT speeding, and under guidance from the tour operators, who will also be giving education about the different places on the tour.

    Why are we the country that says no to every single thing? And this is not political, because this was approved under the OBA and has been carried forward by the PLP.

    • Justin says:

      You what happens if you give people an inch… And this opens up the door for more people to operate these tours all throughout the island. Do you really believe this guy should have a monopoly on the ATV business in Bermuda????

  2. Kim Smith says:

    A point that hasn’t been highlighted to date is the fact that the cost of the extra expenditures for the Parks Department to conduct an initial assessment of the Parks in their present condition (essential to establish a baseline) and then to monitor and enforce the conditions of the tours and remediate any damage, will create more strain on an already stressed public purse.

  3. Rocky5 says:

    All those “privileged” people & organisations still working to prevent Bermudians from owning businesses and expanding their wealth!!

  4. Erm says:

    I’m a little surprised that it’s still going ahead despite only two people supporting it…. What was the point in asking for opinions when they summarily ignored?