“In the wintertime we don’t see any reason why we can’t ride on it,” Hilton said, adding snowmobiles riding on six to eight inches of snowpack do not harm the trails. “Our sleds today most of them are so clean of emissions because the standards that the government has set for us.”

Snowmobiles are banned at the Assabet River Rail Trail “for safety and noise reasons,” said Michelle Ciccolo, Hudson’s director of community development.

“Neighbors expressed concerns during the construction process that they didn’t want people racing behind their houses in snowmobiles,” Ciccolo said, pointing out the rail trail has several roadway crossings, thus posing safety risks.

Saturday, February 10, 2007 - Snowmobilers must travel to ride - The MetroWest Daily News

Two snowmobilers injured a police sergeant Sunday when they tried to run him over on their way to illegally ride on the Assabet River Valley Trail, police said.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - Snowmobilers try to run over cop - The MetroWest Daily News

[the riders] pleaded not guilty in Marlborough District Court yesterday to assault with a dangerous weapon, a snowmobile, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, operating a snow/recreation vehicle on a public way, unsafe operation of a snow/recreation vehicle and failing to stop for police.

Police also charged the men with unregistered operation of a snow/recreation vehicle and operating a snow/recreation vehicle on private property: both civil infractions.