Resident says Highway 35 leaves side-by-side riders stranded; requests county help

Summary

Paul Forman told commissioners that gaps in shoulders and limited crossing options on Highway 35 prevent side-by-side off-road vehicles from moving between properties and that he was cited after riding in the area. He asked the board to listen to residents and consider solutions; no formal action was taken during public comment.

Paul Forman, a resident, used the public-input period at the March 27 meeting to describe travel and access problems caused by Highway 35.

Forman said the highway’s shoulders disappear along long stretches, leaving no place to safely enter or exit with side-by-side off-road vehicles. “You can't even go to your neighbor,” he said, adding that in some places “there's no shoulders on the road.” Forman said he was stopped and issued a citation after riding in the area and that registration and state guidance about where such vehicles may be driven have been confusing.

He told commissioners that nearby communities such as Hurley, Santa Clara, Silver City and Cliff have places to ride but that residents near Highway 35 do not. Forman asked for someone to listen and to place the matter on a future agenda if needed; no formal county response or action was recorded during the public-comment period.