Safe Riding Practices Chapter 11 Trail Signs When riding your ATV you may encounter different types of trail signs. The signs are designed to help trail riders by supplying needed informa- tion about the area. Standardised trail signs are being developed by Tread Lightly as shown below. Until they are posted, it is best to follow the off-highway vehicle signs where applicable and lawful. Below are some of the signs used by Tread Lightly in Australia TREAD Lightly Being a responsible ATV rider means not only protecting yourself from potential hazards, but protecting the environment where you ride as well.
It is your responsibility to avoid accidents by riding within your skills at safe speeds and by not performing unsafe manoeuvres. It is just as important to do all you can to preserve the environment when you ride and to be aware of the damage to the environment if you ride irresponsibility. The best way to protect the environment is to stay on established trails. Using marked trails limits any potential damage to the recreational area. Enjoying nature is a big part of ATV riding. Riding off road brings you close to sights and sounds you would not experience from the highway or paved road. Protect your right to enjoy nature by riding responsibly and protecting the environment at all times.
“TREAD Lightly” refers to an education and information program to reduce vehicle-caused damage to wild lands. Follow these guidelines to help safeguard the environment for the enjoyment of all by: T ravelling only where ATV’s are permitted. R especting the rights of hikers, campers and others to enjoy their activities undisturbed. E ducating yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, complying with signs and barriers, and asking owner’s permission to cross private property. A voiding streams, lakeshores, meadows muddy roads and trails, steep hillsides, wildlife and livestock.
D riving (riding) responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy your vehicle on wild lands. You and the Rest of the World There is one fundamental factor that controls your ATV riding - access to land. Developing and maintaining riding opportunities includes getting along with private landowners, public land managers and people you meet on the trails. Mostly, it takes common courtesy and consideration. Here are a few hints for getting along with others and keeping your riding areas open: Know who owns the land you are using. Get permission to use it if needed. Stay on marked trails if they are provided. Keep your ATV quiet.
Do not make your exhaust system noisy - there is nothing that people hate more than a loud off-road vehicle. Keep the muffler well packed. Obey closure signs: the land is posted for a reason. Always leave gates and fences as you found them. Leave the area as clean or cleaner than you found it. Pick up rubbish that may be lying about. Be courteous when you meet others on the trails. Pull off and give right of way to horseback riders or hikers. In fact, it is best to shut off your engine when you meet horseback riders; a panicked horse is a danger to you and its rider. Remember to remove your helmet when talking to a landowner or someone you meet on the trail.
Be friendly and honest with them and keep your helmet visible so it can make a good impression. Finding Places to Ride Laws and Regulations Laws provide an understanding between ATV riders and enforcement officers concerning the proper way to act while riding off road. These laws help protect people, property and your sport of ATV riding. You can encourage other ATV operators to follow local and state laws by practicing them yourself. In this way ATV riders can set a good, posi- tive example and, to some extent, police themselves on the trails. Your ATV is an OFF-ROAD VEHICLE and is not designed for street or highway use.
Many states require that you register your ATV through the Road Transport Authority or other licensing body. ATVs used for agricul- tural or utility purposes may be subject to different provisions than recre- ational vehicles. How do you find good places to ride? Start by asking your ATV dealer. Where do other customers ride? Who owns the land? What are the regulations for using the land? ATV clubs may also provide a way of working with others to find good riding areas. Above all, check where you can ride your ATV. Check when buying your ATV from your dealer.
He can advise you as to where you can ride or direct you to the correct sources of information and can often help you with registration if available. Fines and/or penalties for riding an unregis- tered ATV can be expensive, and you take the risk of having your ATV impounded. If you are looking on your own, topographic maps can be a good way to find open land with trails. Find out who owns the land and whether they mind you using it. You can develop a network of good riding areas this way. Some sources for finding places to ride are: Some states use the off-road registration fees for ATV trails and facili- ties for road use of ATV’s around farm areas.
By paying the registration fee, you are helping to buy more land or maintain the off-road areas in your state. Each state’s registration requirements vary. Before planning an out-of-state ride, learn that area’s laws. Contact your local Road Transport Authority office. Your ATV dealer ATV clubs or associations State maps (topographical and feature) Motorcycling Australia National Parks and Wildlife ‘Tread Lightly’ contact in your area 22