SHILOH — The safety of pedestrians and drivers in the village of Shiloh is something local officials want to protect.
A recent rise in the amount of off-road vehicles traveling on village streets has increased safety concerns — leaving Shiloh officials in search of solutions.
Shiloh Mayor Paul Currier said the issue became more frequent about six weeks ago.
“People of all different ages, from teens up to probably mid-30s and 40s at the most, (have been) running off-road vehicles around,” he said. “Whether they be dirt bikes, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) or side-by-sides.”
Currier said concerns ultimately began due to the frequency of off-road vehicles traveling on Shiloh streets without proper lighting.
“Some of them don’t have mufflers or their muffler is so rained, watered or rusted out that they haven’t replaced them,” he added.
“There’s the noise factor and speed factor — not paying attention to even the speed signs.”
Shiloh working with Richland County Sheriff’s Office
The village is working with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) to find possible solutions to the issue — which may include adjusting the times law enforcement is present in the village.
Due to a lack of its own police department, Shiloh contracts with RCSO to provide law enforcement in the village.
Currier said he’s exchanged emails with Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon and had a conversation with Sgt. Reginald Ganzhorn.
“There’s still a couple of them (off-road vehicle riders) running around out there that think they’re above the law or whatever,” he said.
In 2022, Sheldon reminded Richland County residents all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, snowmobiles and off-highway motorcycle vehicles aren’t permitted on county roads.
“The number of accidents occurring within the county is disturbing,” he said in an August 2022 RCSO press release.
According to the Ohio Revised Code, Sheldon has the authority to prohibit any use by these types of vehicles on any county roads.
Shiloh Village Solicitor John Studenmund said he’s aware of the recent increase in off-road vehicle issues and will cooperate with the village to address any necessary cases.
Currier wants ‘nobody getting hurt’
Off-road vehicles aren’t uncommon in rural communities like Shiloh — but village officials also want to help prevent accidents.
“The whole thing … it’s just nobody getting hurt,” said the mayor. “Whether it be one of them riding or if they were to hit a pedestrian or hit a child that might run out chasing a ball in front of them.
“There’s just all kinds of scenarios that could happen. They seem to think that they’re safe — but it’s just a matter of old rule versus new rule and they’re not really caring about the new rules right now.”
The Ohio Revised Code includes rules for equipment of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and all-purpose vehicles, as well as a list of prohibited acts while operating these types of vehicles.
Furthermore, the ORC also explains what driver’s license requirements are necessary to operate off-road vehicles.
Currier said Shiloh residents who observe these types of off-road vehicles violating the ORC language and rules can call the RCSO non-emergency line at 419-524-2412.