Tread Lightly, OHV Riding Tips and and Other Responsibilities

For more than 25 years, riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in the dirt has been a popular American activity and is now enjoying its second generation of enthusiasts. Those first OHVs were simple machines, yet provided their riders with fun and excitement. As this next generation of OHV riders discovers our sport, we must remember that practicing good environmental stewardship will ensure that we will continue to have places to ride.

Prepare for Your Trip.  Obtain a travel map of where you are going, and determine which areas are open to OHV use and if any special rules affect that area. It's a good idea to contact the managing agency for additional information, such as seasonal closures or special permit requirements. Please respect private property and contact the landowner(s) to get their permission first.

Plan Ahead.  Know your equipment, your ability, current conditions, and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient, keep your equipment in good repair which includes having the required spark arrestor. Carry the necessary supplies for changes in the weather or other conditions.

Educate Yourself and Your Family.  It's your responsibility to know the rules in the area where you are riding, and please don't forget your children. Riders/Drivers under age 16 should be supervised by an adult. Do they know the rules? Do you know where your children are riding? Are they riding responsibly?

Leave No Trace.  Stay off trails when your use will leave ruts and impact the trail tread, such as during very wet or dry conditions. Roosting creates ruts, erodes soil, and increases maintenance. Cutting cookies in the roads annoys other visitors and makes riders look like "hot doggers." Pack out as much as you pack in. When you see reparable trail damage, stop and take a few minutes to fix it. It just might help to ensure that the trail will be open the next time you visit.

Use Open Routes Only.  Ride only on roads and trails or other areas "open" for use. Respecting closed trails and private property is good public relations. Don't cut switchbacks or take shortcuts, and remember, areas signed as "Wilderness" are closed to all mechanized vehicles.

Be a Right Rider.  Always yield the trail to other riders or those traveling uphill. Show respect when meeting others by slowing down or stopping altogether. All trails are two-way; anticipate that other riders may be around the corner. Even brief inattention can cause disaster for you or others. Excessive speed threatens other riders.

Practice Trail Courtesy.  Every OHV rider must be an ambassador for the sport at all times. Here are a few tips to keep you and other trail users smiling:

• Leave gates as you found them—open or closed—unless posted otherwise.
• Be courteous when passing hikers or other vehicles. One burst of throttle can leave a cloud of dust and perhaps create a new enemy.
• Be as considerate to others as you would want them to be to you. Sharing the trail and a friendly "Hi" goes a long way towards building a positive image!

Avoid Spooking Horses, Cattle, or Wildlife.

• All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. In passing, follow the direction of horseback riders. Do not assume that cattle will move off the trail or continue in their current directions. Approach them very slowly.
• Even a quiet OHV can sound noisy to other trail users, so keep your speed and engine rpm low and steady when near houses, cabins, campgrounds, or anytime you are around non-riders. Remember, less sound will provide more ground to ride.

Educate Others.  Breaking the rules and not riding responsibly are threatening YOUR riding opportunities. We need your help. Talk to less responsible riders—they will listen to you as a fellow rider.

Safety Considerations.

• If you carry a rifle or shotgun or muzzleloader on your OHV, make sure it is unloaded.
• Take an OHV safety course.

Information on federal land agency regulations on off-road travel is available at:

FS:     http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/
BLM:   http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en.html

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