By Stephanie Grinnell
Staff Writer
Muddy ruts and clouds of dust signify the presence of ATVs on the Eastern Trail, which was constructed for pedestrian and bicycle use, but problems with ATVs are nothing new to Eastern Trail Alliance President John Andrews.
He said many people operate ATVs responsibly but a few “renegades” trespass on trails not intended for motorized vehicle use, including a section of the Eastern Trail between Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough slated to open July 1.
“The majority of ATV riders are polite, cautious people. The others are the renegades,” he said, adding moving of rocks to allow ATVs to pass “sets a culture and a precedent.”
Andrews said an illegal ATV trail has been created through the woods to connect to the Eastern Trail and granite rocks blocking the entrance have been moved from the new section, which begins on Milliken Mills Road in Old Orchard Beach. The trail is not posted as banned to ATVs because there is no way to enforce such a ban, Andrews said. In Maine, if a trail is not marked for ATV use, it is illegal to operate one on that trail, he said. 
“If you put up a sign, you have to have law enforcement,” he said. “Where the Eastern Trail is not open, it is heavily used by ATVs but unless it’s a marked ATV trail or you have written permission from the landowner, you can’t ride them.”
Andrews said there are not many trails in southern Maine open to ATV riders. The state began establishing ATV clubs several years ago, under the direction of Alliance of Trail Vehicles of Maine. The job of ATV Maine is to educate riders and the public about the allowable trails and safe operation of equipment, said ATV Maine Southern Regional Vice President Rick Sack.
“We are trying to turn around perceptions,” Sack said.
There are currently 101 ATV clubs with more than 20,000 members associated with ATV Maine, he said.
“We are working with the state government to make riding more safe and keep riders off rural trails,” Sack said.
He said was not aware of damage to the Eastern Trail prior to speaking with the Leader.
Acceptable trails for ATV riders are marked with a green blaze sign and banned trails are marked with a red blaze with an ATV crossed out, Sack said. He said he would be willing to work with the Eastern Trail Alliance to mark the trail.
“Without public outcry, signs only cause hostility,” Andrews said. “Unless the public is offended by it, they don’t call town hall and nothing gets done.”
He said one resident, who did not wish to speak publicly, has seen ATVs traveling very fast near her home next to the Eastern Trail in Old Orchard Beach. Another resident told Andrews she was concerned about her children’s safety because of ATV traffic.
Six years ago, another trail was constructed by AmeriCorps volunteers for Saco Bay Trails but was destroyed by ATV traffic before it could be opened to the public, Andrews said. The trail still has not been repaired where ATVs left muddy ruts and damaged bridges, he said.
“There was such a feeling of hopelessness and ‘Why should we fix it?’” Andrews said.
Motorized vehicles are the only thing banned from the Eastern Trail. Bicycles, strollers and dogs are allowed on most portions.
“It’s a muscle powered trail,” Andrews said.
He said people who wish to report ATVs operating on the ET should contact city or town officials or call their local police department.
The new section of the trail between Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach will open July 1 with a ceremony at 1 p.m. at the trailhead in Milliken Mills.