Respecting and being aware of environmental concerns is a very relevant subject to ATV riders and ATV Manufacturers. Every one should be aware of their role in keeping ATV trails open and publicly accessible for those who ride. We all have a stake in safe, responsible riding and land use.
You can help keep ATV riding trails open by maintaining good relationships with private land owners, land managers, campers, hikers and other riders. Common sense and common courtesy is usually all that is needed while operating your ATV.
Here are a few guidelines and tips to help you out:
Keep your ATV quiet. ATVs are designed to be relatively quiet while still giving good performance, smooth engine torque and spark suppression. Too much noise disturbs wildlife any land owners and anyone else in the area
Obey trail markers and closed signs. There are many reasons why an area may be closed to ATVs including the existence of fire hazard, refuge to wildlife or plant life and safety reasons for ATV riders. You may not always know the reason just stay out!
Leave gates and fences the way you found them. This is important on private lands where livestock may be kept. You wouldn't want to be the ATV rider who let the cows out!
Leave the area as clean as you found it or cleaner.
Be courteous to others you may meet on the trail. Always yield to pedestrians.
If you meet any horses on the trail shut off your ATVs engine. There should be separate trails for horses but be aware that the ATVs engine noise will startle them.
Approach livestock or wildlife on the trail slowly. If you startle them they may head directly into your path. Try to prevent collisions with your ATV.
Whenever you talk to the land owner or land managers or anyone else you meet remember to take off your helmet it will give the impression of being friendlier and you will appear less intimidating.
If you want to keep ATV trails open its going to take some consideration and courtesy from all ATV riders.
