Trail Signs, Laws And Regulations, Tread Lightly; You And The Rest Of The World, Finding Places To Ride - Yamaha ATV Course Manual

Safe Riding Practices
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
• Travelling only where ATV's are permitted.
• Respecting the rights of hikers, campers and others to enjoy their
activities undisturbed.
• Educating yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from
public agencies, complying with signs and barriers, and asking
owner's permission to cross private property.
• Avoiding streams, lakeshores, meadows muddy roads and trails,
steep hillsides, wildlife and livestock.
• Driving (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
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.
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:
• Your ATV dealer
• ATV clubs or associations
• State maps (topographical and feature)
• Motorcycling Australia
• National Parks and Wildlife
• 'Tread Lightly' contact in your area
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Chapter 11