ATVers and dirtbikers must get along
Jan.
15, 2004 –
We asked Todd Sheinfeld, an aggressive ATV activist in Vermont, to
share his thoughts on whether dirtbike riders and ATVers can, and should, work
together. Here are his thoughts:
Securing and preserving legal access to trails is an ongoing effort for off-road recreation enthusiasts in all corners of the nation.
One of the ways in which national and local organizations have been highly effective in pursuing their goals is through collaboration with other groups that have the same goals. They know that a focused effort, representing more and more people, is very impressive to elected and non-elected government folks.
ATV clubs, and associations of clubs, have been created in every state. In a good many states, this simple gathering together and developing of a single voice has advanced the sport of ATV riding within those states.
This, in turn, has helped to secure everything from legal definitions of what an ATV is, to state registration, safety and education programs, trail development and maintenance and law enforcement programs. All this is great because it helps us get legal rights to trail use through partnerships, and demonstrating our commitment to safe ATV operation and sound land stewardship practices.
In your counties and states, there are people who love motorized off-road toys and belong to clubs. And they are working on the same issues you are working on. These people have been talking to, and working with, the same local, state and federal officials that you have, and have done so for years.
These people are motorcyclists, and they belong to trail bike clubs. These clubs may or may not have an interest in street riding, but they do have a keen interest in legal trail access.
These recreational off-road motorcyclists, and their clubs and organizations, have been organizing both non-competitive and competitive off-road events for many years.
Right now, you may be saying, "Hey, they have plates on their motorcycles!" And they do. But what good are knobby tires if you don't have a legal trail system?
They want to get to trails, and the license plates help them get there.
As soon as the tar road ends and the trail begins, that is where you and they are one! Look at them as long-lost relatives who simply lack a second set of wheels! They can and should be part of your discussions and efforts while pursuing access to trails, and when presenting the interests of you and your fellow riders.
By presenting a combined membership, and speaking with one voice, to your local, state and national officials (or when speaking to a landowner or manager) you will be speaking for more users with a louder voice.
A combined effort will also ease tension between the two-wheel and four-wheel interests, and help guide land managers to work collaboratively.
And that, my friends, is a good thing. Because, as knobby pilots, we cannot afford to waste any time, effort or money battling each other.
So whether you have two wheels or four under you, you are an off-road recreationalist, and the battle to secure new (or preserve existing) opportunities is your fight to win or lose.
It is my goal to muster the largest army possible to win the fight. To that end, I believe that a key to developing the base is to harness the energies and love that my two-wheel and four-wheel brethren bring to their respective sports.
By working together we can accomplish more, and do it faster, than by not working together.
Editor's note: One way that ATVers and motorcyclists can work together is by joining American Motorcyclist Association Community Councils in their areas.
It's a grassroots program that allows you to get involved in the political process, establish relationships with your elected officials, and influence legislation and regulatory laws to your benefit. It's a win-win situation for you and the ATVA and AMA.
For information on Community Councils, contact Terry Lee Cook at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1288, or contact him by e-mail at tcook@atvaonline.com.