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People who ride on 2 wheels are probably the most hated group of forest/ trail users. Ontario federation of trail riders has plenty of land use information/ disputes. There are plenty of licenced and insured responsible riders on dirt bikes, but for the usual reasons they are seen as a menace to society (actions of few bad apples is the main reason)Quote:
Originally Posted by TurkeyObsessed
Our trails are continuously damaged as well as adjoining properties. It’s not the bikes folks.
Take a 1000 pound ATV and pin the gas - watch the destruction.
I’ve owned both and still own atv.
They should all be classed the same and have the same privileges and requirements. Add UTV’s to the mix.
Get rid of all these individual clubs and have one for all of Ontario representing all interests.
How the hell does this inequality among groups of users pass muster.
I think the status of a lot of land use agreements is very fragile so ATV clubs don't want to stick their necks out for any other user groups. The pressure against any type of motorized use in southern Ontario is huge. Most of the problem comes from illegal users with "for competition use only" machines that drive residents insane with the noise. That being said, any organized ride I've been a part of on a dirt bike has been strictly governed with sound testing at entry and zero tolerance for any behavior that reflects badly on the club.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Jack
There are a large number of clubs that fall under the OFATV umbrella, generally follow the same rules except where the respective County doesn't allow some things, ie, SxS on some of the rail trails because of width. I know, on defunct rail trails, trains were how wide, SxS and UTV's are how wide? Some of the other independent clubs are crying it will take away from their tourism, etc. Some don't like the even fee and early renewal fee system, just foolish the way I look at it. I'm a member of a club, a lot of the money goes to trail repairs and expansion, signs, etc. As for "some" of those with the monster machines and lack of common judgement that destroy trails, ride down rivers, etc, you just can't fix stupid.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Jack
I know out our way the clubs are politically motivated. I get the trail maintenance and frankly have no issue paying a membership fee but it needs to be one fee for the province, backed by the province, for the good of all that live in the province.
We should be embracing this awesome industry. Ontario should be a destination for people coming from far and wide. All the little towns north a ways that are dying off would benefit greatly.
From an insurance perspective, Gov ON would get superior rates. Private property portions of ATV trails would for the most part become unnecessary because the township could allow road travel as Bancroft does.
The province needs to see this as an opportunity to revitalize the province.
Just my two cents.
In the area I live in in Huron (East) County we are allowed to ride on the roads.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Jack
That is far from something I think would replace the trail systems.
In this area of Ontario if it's not roads it's mostly private property unlike further north.
Not replace but allow you to link different portions of trail not 100 percent continuous.
Why do you need to drive across a piece of private property when a 5 minute jaunt will get you back on the trail?
Sometimes the road links between trail areas aren't feasible, could be a heavily used municipal, county or Provincial highway, sometimes with lack of wide enough shoulders, etc. There are also some areas which could be used,ie, swampy ground but the tree huggers get their panties in a knot. It can be a real "bag of hammers" to get trails joined. We have #400 that is being an "obstacle" to get from one area to another. Hopefully they'll figure something out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Jack