Letter to the Editor:

For 22 years we have observed the activity on Highway X. In suitable weather, people walk, ride bikes and run along the stretch of the road from Highway 32 to the Blue Ribbon Bridge, ever alert for the possible speeding car.

The idea of an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) route is of great concern. Not only would that increase the activity in the road area, it would also increase the noise.

We unfortunately have firsthand experience with the noise as ATVs are driven illegally on our local roads. The ATVs do not have the same safety or noise suppression features as cars and are often driven by minors. Having a route established would encourage more traffic on the local roads to connect with the route and more noise.

Nothing interrupts a peaceful evening like an ATV grinding along. The sounds of the night in the North Woods cannot be enjoyed in peace. Makes people, homeowners and visitors, wonder why they came all the distance they did.

We would like the Three Lakes Plan Commission to consider making Highway X safer and quieter. A pedestrian and bike lane could be safely enjoyed by more residents and visitors to the area. Please do not create a polluting, noisy and dangerous situation with an ATV route.

Mary and Ralph O’Hara

Three Lakes and

Winnetka, Ill.