| Motorcycles and ATVs |
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Guidelines For Responsible Off-Road Motorcycling as per The Northwest Motorcycle Association
If you're an off-road motorcycle rider, you represent off-road motorcycling to everyone around you. This includes not only when you're riding, but also when you're
driving to the trails, relaxing around camp or talking to others about the sport.
Your actions directly influence the opinions of those around you. Please do your part to present a positive image—for you and for the sport.
The following guidelines can help you and the people you ride with become responsible advocates for our sport.
Respect
Respect the people around you - Be considerate and friendly. Stop a moment to say hello, especially to those on foot, bicycles or horses.
Respect the property around you - Ride only where permitted.
Respect the environment around you - Minimize your impact so others can enjoy the area in the future.
A special note about horses and other pack animals on the trails...
When approaching (going the opposite direction):
Turn off your engine and move off the trail. On hillsides, move to the outside (downhill) side. Horses are less afraid to pass on the inside of a hillside. Consider removing
your helmet. When the rider approaches, ask if you need to do anything else. Before starting up again, let the horses get down the trail a bit.
When overtaking (going the same direction):
Approach slowly. Generally riders will pull off the trail to let you pass. Sometimes you may need to wait a while until they find enough room. Once you've made eye
contact with the rider and followed any instructions, pass smoothly and quietly. Once you pass, continue slowly up the trail a ways before resuming your normal speed.
In either case, be patient and enjoy the temporary break. The courteous impression you make is appreciated by all.
Minimum Impact
Stay on designated trails - Keep off meadows, steep hillsides and other sensitive areas.
Ride a quiet motorcycle - Maintain a quiet muffler and keep noise down around people who aren't riding. Noise is still the number one complaint about motorcycles.
Cross streams only when necessary - Use established crossings when possible, otherwise cross slowly at a 90-degree angle to the stream.
Keep the area clean - Leave the area at least as clean as when you arrived.
Volunteer - Help maintain your favorite riding areas, and share the responsibility to keep areas open.
Planning & Safety
Planning:
Research the riding area. Get a current update from the local land manager or responsible party. Verify what trails are open and what precautions are advised.
Check the local weather forecast.
Prepare for the unexpected and pack accordingly
Never ride alone. Plan a ride with at least one other person. Riding alone can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown.
At least one rider in the group should know basic first aid and have a first aid kit.
At least one rider in the group should have a tow strap.
Before the ride:
Riders should have a tailgate meeting before each ride to discuss the day's plans and to discuss etiquette with new riders.
Safety on the trail:
Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate riding gear.
Ride at a speed that's honestly in control. Expect to encounter others on the trail and always have the ability to stop safely when that happens.
You are responsible for the rider behind you. At each trail intersection, wait for an OK sign from the rider behind you before you proceed. A head-nod or a thumbs-up
should do it.
A rider should never be allowed to return to the trailhead alone.
In the event of a breakdown or injury, a rider should never leave the group without notifying the group.
If you get separated from the group, go back to the last place everyone had last gathered and wait.
If, after waiting a reasonable amount of time, a rider has not caught up, someone should retrace the trail backwards, cautiously, until the rider is located.
A rider should never ride against an arrowed trail.
Yield the right of way to those passing or traveling uphill.
And finally, drinking and riding don't mix. Enough said.
If you're an off-road motorcycle rider, you represent off-road motorcycling to everyone around you. This includes not only when you're riding, but also when you're
driving to the trails, relaxing around camp or talking to others about the sport.
Your actions directly influence the opinions of those around you. Please do your part to present a positive image—for you and for the sport.
The following guidelines can help you and the people you ride with become responsible advocates for our sport.
Respect
Respect the people around you - Be considerate and friendly. Stop a moment to say hello, especially to those on foot, bicycles or horses.
Respect the property around you - Ride only where permitted.
Respect the environment around you - Minimize your impact so others can enjoy the area in the future.
A special note about horses and other pack animals on the trails...
When approaching (going the opposite direction):
Turn off your engine and move off the trail. On hillsides, move to the outside (downhill) side. Horses are less afraid to pass on the inside of a hillside. Consider removing
your helmet. When the rider approaches, ask if you need to do anything else. Before starting up again, let the horses get down the trail a bit.
When overtaking (going the same direction):
Approach slowly. Generally riders will pull off the trail to let you pass. Sometimes you may need to wait a while until they find enough room. Once you've made eye
contact with the rider and followed any instructions, pass smoothly and quietly. Once you pass, continue slowly up the trail a ways before resuming your normal speed.
In either case, be patient and enjoy the temporary break. The courteous impression you make is appreciated by all.
Minimum Impact
Stay on designated trails - Keep off meadows, steep hillsides and other sensitive areas.
Ride a quiet motorcycle - Maintain a quiet muffler and keep noise down around people who aren't riding. Noise is still the number one complaint about motorcycles.
Cross streams only when necessary - Use established crossings when possible, otherwise cross slowly at a 90-degree angle to the stream.
Keep the area clean - Leave the area at least as clean as when you arrived.
Volunteer - Help maintain your favorite riding areas, and share the responsibility to keep areas open.
Planning & Safety
Planning:
Research the riding area. Get a current update from the local land manager or responsible party. Verify what trails are open and what precautions are advised.
Check the local weather forecast.
Prepare for the unexpected and pack accordingly
Never ride alone. Plan a ride with at least one other person. Riding alone can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown.
At least one rider in the group should know basic first aid and have a first aid kit.
At least one rider in the group should have a tow strap.
Before the ride:
Riders should have a tailgate meeting before each ride to discuss the day's plans and to discuss etiquette with new riders.
Safety on the trail:
Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate riding gear.
Ride at a speed that's honestly in control. Expect to encounter others on the trail and always have the ability to stop safely when that happens.
You are responsible for the rider behind you. At each trail intersection, wait for an OK sign from the rider behind you before you proceed. A head-nod or a thumbs-up
should do it.
A rider should never be allowed to return to the trailhead alone.
In the event of a breakdown or injury, a rider should never leave the group without notifying the group.
If you get separated from the group, go back to the last place everyone had last gathered and wait.
If, after waiting a reasonable amount of time, a rider has not caught up, someone should retrace the trail backwards, cautiously, until the rider is located.
A rider should never ride against an arrowed trail.
Yield the right of way to those passing or traveling uphill.
And finally, drinking and riding don't mix. Enough said.
| Camping and trails are open to motorized use May 1 - November 30 |
