The City of Big Lake recently passed an ordinance allowing registered ATVs use on city streets.

To bring awareness to this ordinance and in a show of support for local businesses, a semi-guided ATV Run was conducted last Saturday by the Big Lake PD.

Chief Joel Scharf led the slow parade of 146 participants (including kids but not pets) and 78 Class 1 ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), Class 2 ATVs (side-by-sides) and UTVs (utility task vehicle) around the lakes, through the neighborhoods, across Hwy. 10 at Co. Rd. 43 and stopped just behind McDonald’s by the war memorial. Dozens of families came down to the curbs of their homes to wave and show their support.

Of the 78 vehicles, 45 were ATVs, 30 were UTVs, two were three-wheelers and one golf cart was in the mix.

Following the ride through the city, many of the ATV riders took in some lunch at McPete’s, Third Rail, Dairy Queen and others on a beautiful, sunny day.

Big Lake Police Deputy Chief Matt Hagen created the route and provided maps. Other BLPD officers came out and controlled intersections for safe crossing and Big Lake firefighter Ryan Aderman and his family arrived early and rode last to ensure nobody got left behind.

City ATV registration is free and can be completed online at any time.

ATV Patrol

Big Lake PD recognized the need for specialized police patrol to access many of the areas of the community that are not accessible by patrol car, including the city’s 17 parks and 20 miles of bike trails.

With that in mind, the ATV Patrol Unit was formed and began utilizing an all terrain vehicle for patrols as a tool to:

• Deter criminal activity;

• Provide alternate enforcement methods;

• Promote public relations.

The ATV Patrol Unit is now a formal part of support services undertaken by BLPD’s community service officer. In the time this officer has been patrolling the streets and trails of Big Lake, the ATV Patrol Unit has proven to be an effective policing tool for the city and its citizens.

BLPD’s ATV Patrol Unit utilize a Polaris Ranger, specially equipped for police duty use.

ATV Patrol is also part of the Big Lake Police Dept.’s Community Policing Initiative. Officers find policing on an ATV has enabled them to interact more closely with citizens allowing them: to be better informed as to what problems exist in a particular neighborhood to address these problems and make neighborhoods in our community safer places to live.