Snowmobile traffic annoys some along Erie Canal path

The signs read: "No motorized vehicles allowed on Canal Path." So why are snowmobiles spotted on a regular basis flying down the path?

According to Betsy Graham, Public Relations Officer for the New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation, "Snowmobiles are only allowed on the canal path if a permit is issued to a local snowmobile club. The club pays $250 for the permit and has to prove they carry $2 million in insurance. They are responsible for the grooming, and repair of the trail and they are responsible for any injuries that happen due to snowmobiling along the canal path. Their permit must be posted at the beginning and end of the section of the canal path they are allowed on and there has to be a base of at least three inches of snow on the trail before they can use it. This is what protects the trails from the machines."

Even once a permit is secured there are still rules for riding along the canal path. The speed limit is 25 mph. While there are no time restrictions, Graham did state that from midnight to six a.m., "if a rider is within 100 feet of a residence they must slow down to a speed no faster than is needed to move the vehicle forward."

The past several years, the Hilton Snowflyers group has secured this permit, which not only entitles the club members to use the path but also allows any snowmobiler in the area to ride. However, Snowflyers President Jim Moyer said that this year their permit has been delayed and they have not yet secured it. Therefore there shouldn't be any snowmobile traffic on the canal path at this time in the westside of Monroe County.

While the snowmobilers are fans of riding the canal path, area residents are not fans of snowmobiles. Complaints of reckless drivers who have no regard for personal property are common. Former Adams Basin Inn owner Bud Nichols clearly remembers how it felt to have his bedroom literally 50 feet from the path and contending for years with snowmobile traffic at all hours. "Residents are victimized by snowmobilers who ride between 2 and 4 a.m., hollering, swearing, stopping and relieving themselves along the path and just being generally rude. They are inconsiderate of anyone else and out having a good time thinking they can get away with it because they are on a snowmobile." Lyell Street residents Jim and Donna Penders are concerned about the damage the snowmobiles are doing to the path. "New York state put all this money into the canal paths and now they are being ruined by these snowmobiles. No one is enforcing the rules. I have seen them going well over the 25 mph speed limit and I have not seen the New York State Police out here. How is the Canal Authority protecting our interests? The damage to these trails is not going to be absorbed, the state can't afford it. If they don't have the money to repair the local bridges in a timely manner, how can they afford to repair the paths?"

Although the Ogden Police towed around seven sleds which were in violation in mid-January, Sgt. Dale Barton insists it's not the legitimate club members who are the violators. "I have the highest respect for the Hilton Snowflyers. They make an effort to set up their trails, and keep the path groomed. It's the ones who aren't club members who don't obey the rules and regulations." Ogden Police Chief Chris Schrank agreed, saying that, "It's a few bad ones who give snowmobiling a bad name."

Jim Moyer encourages all snowmobilers to become a part of their club. Membership entitles the riders to maps of legitimate trails where they can ride covering almost 65 miles. They also offer certified safety courses in snowmobiling that he recommends for all riders. Membership dues are $30.

Sgt. Barton reminds that all snowmobiles have to be registered and insured and are not allowed on the road. "The only exception is if the entire town is under a State of Emergency," Barton said.

Residents who have complaints about snowmobiles should contact the New York State Troopers at 1-877-901-2700 and ask to speak to anyone in "Troop T". They will dispatch an officer to deal with the offenders. They may also contact Betsy Graham's office at 518-436-2983 or by email at publicinfo@thruway.state.ny.us