How to Ride Responsibly

It’s a well known fact that sportsmen who call the outdoors their playground are seen as more responsible for their actions.

Surfers are all concerned about the cleanliness of the water, hunters talk about making sure the woodlands are preserved, even golfers take an interest in keeping the environment clean so their favorite courses remain pristine!

Dirt bikers and ATV enthusiasts are no different – although sometimes we get a black eye because the actions of a few tend to be associated with all of us – kind of like a few rotten apples spoiling the entire barrel.

Riding responsibly doesn’t really take a great deal of extra effort, in fact most of the recommendations by groups like Tread Lightly are formed around the basics of smart riding – a few of them are below:

• Travel only in areas open to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use.
• Minimize wheel spin. On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake-sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail. Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.
• Slow down when sight lines are poor. Cross streams only at designated fording points, where the trail crosses the stream.
• Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
• Buddy up with two or three riders, reducing vulnerability if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.
• When winching, always inspect your equipment, use the right winch for the situation, find a good secure anchor and never winch with less than five wraps of wire rope around the drum.
• When using a tree as an anchor, use a wide tree strap to avoid damaging the trunk of the tree.
• Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate ATVs with both ears covered.
• Don’t mix riding with alcohol or drugs.

Riding with care when you’re on public, or private, land is the mark of a concerned and experienced motorcyclist. By showing the rest of the general public that we’re as aware of nature and the environment as other outdoor sportsmen, we’ll gain the respect and admiration that we deserve.

As always, if you’re looking for more advice about riding, or finding new people to ride with, visit any of our stores!

• Baltimore 410-663-8556
• Bel Air 410-879-3586
• Severna Park 410-647-5880

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