Tread Lightly
Sept.
5, 2003 – We all know that quads are a lot of fun. But how many
of us think about the awesome responsibilities we have when we ride?
Responsibilities like ensuring the safety of ourselves and others, being good neighbors with those who share the trails or live nearby, and protecting the environment.
Tread Lightly!, a group that promotes the responsible recreational use of the outdoors, has a lot of good advice for ATVers in its Guide to Responsible ATV Riding. Tread Lightly!'s website is www.treadlightly.org.
Here's a sampling of some of the group's great advice:
Tread Lightly! warns that "if you abuse it, you'll probably lose it!" Careless operation of your ATV can cause damage to the environment and may lead to the closing of areas to ATVs.
In fact, Tread Lightly! notes that you should respect the environment, and other trail users. "By using common sense and common courtesy, what is available today will be here to enjoy tomorrow," the group says.
You should stay on designated roads and trails, or in other areas open to ATV use. Cross streams at fording points only.
And remember, designated "Wilderness" areas are reserved for the most primitive outdoor adventure. In other words, ATVs aren't allowed there.
When you're riding, be considerate of others on the road or trail, ride only where permitted, and leave gates as you find them.
Plus, yield the right of way to those passing or traveling uphill, keep the noise and dust down, and pack out what you pack in.
Other good tips from Tread Lightly! involve preparing for the ride. You should get a map of the area you want to explore and determine which areas are open for use.
On public land, contact the land manager to find out where you can ride and what areas are off-limits. For crossing private land, ALWAYS get permission from the landowner first.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out on a ride, and be ready for the unexpected by packing a small bag or backpack full of emergency items.
Always wear a helmet, eye protection and other safety gear. And ride with at least one or two other ATVers. After all, if you're riding alone and have an accident or mechanical trouble, then you're stuck.
If you're camping, Tread Lightly! suggests you use lightweight equipment, possibly in earth-tone colors that blend in with the surroundings, to have a minimum impact on the environment.
The group also suggests using existing campsites whenever possible, and avoid building fires.
Finally, Tread Lightly! has some riding tips to help preserve the environment.
On slick trails, moderate the throttle and use the clutch to gain maximum traction with minimum tailspin.
On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing, or brake-sliding while heading down, which gouges the trail.
When negotiating ruts, stay loose over the machine to allow for sudden direction changes.
Cross streams slowly, at a 90-degree angle to the stream.
The "Tread" in Tread Lightly! stands for:
T—Travel and recreate with minimum impact.
R—Respect the environment and the rights of others.
E—Educate yourself: plan and prepare before you go.
A—Allow for future use of the outdoors: leave it better than you found it.
D—Discover the rewards of responsible recreation.
That's the Tread Lightly! pledge, and something we should all take to heart.
