The province of Ontario has a very unique trail system. The public lands are enjoyed by everyone who lives and visits the province and with that notion we must understand everyone’s wants and needs.
Understanding everyone’s Needs and wants is essential to a harmonized trails system as well as some patience and respect.
In this segment we will discuss how to handle other trail users when making contact on the trail. Some simple rules to make everyone’s experience the most enjoyable.
ATV (Quads) – Motocross (Bikes) – SXS (Side by sides)
Multi Trail User Ride
When these users are passing you from the rear, or on coming towards you, conduct a few simple steps;
- Pull as far right as possible to allow room for them to pass
- Radio (CB) ahead or behind letting the others in the group you have passing or oncoming vehicles
- Role your window down so the other riders can see your face, smile and wave them through
- If able, tell the lead rider of the passing group how many vehicles are with you.
- If you are the last vehicle in your line tell the people passing you are the last one
If approaching these vehicles and you intend to pass them;
- Role your window down so the riders can see your face
- Do not tailgate, wait for them to see you and wave you by
- Do not speed past them, take it easy and only travel as fast as necessary
- If they are stopped on the trail, don’t pass, park your vehicle on the side of the trail and walk ahead to see whats going on. Someone could be injured or disabled.
Always be friendly and lend a hand if required. Being in a larger vehicle (the 4WD) we tend to carry more supplies and can help our friends who don’t have the same luxuries on the trial
Hikers – Walkers – Mountain Bikers – Geocashing – Hunters
When these users are encountered on the trail you shall conduct a few simple steps making everyone safe and allowing them to enjoy their experience;
- SLOW down, drive as slow as possible as you approach
- Radio (CB) your group telling them of the other users you will be passing
- Role your window down so they can see your face
- Allow them to wave you by (They will likely move aside and stop)
- Do not “show boat” keep the noise of the vehicle to a minimum until well past them
- smile and wave as you pass
Equestrians (Horses)
Equestrians are often seen on the trial horseback riding to destinations or for sport. Due to the users riding an animal some other considerations must be taken to not “spook” the horse causing it undue stress or possibly throwing the rider off
.If approaching these users traveling the same direction as you;
- SLOW down, drive as slow as possible as you approach but stay well back until the riders see you.
- Radio (CB) your group telling them of other users you will be passing
- Once they see you come to a stop and await instruction from the riders
- Role your window down so they can see your face
- Allow them to stop and wave you by (They will likely turn the horse in the direction to view the vehicle or move way off the trail to create distance between the horse and the vehicle)
- Do not “show boat” keep the noise of the vehicle to a minimum until well past them
- smile and wave as you pass
If approaching these users traveling the opposite direction as you;
- SLOW down, pull right and come to a complete stop
- Radio (CB) your group telling them that equestrians will be passing
- shut off the motor and tell the rest of your group to do the same
- Role your window down so they can see your face
- Step out of the vehicle if able and wave them through, tell them everyone has shut down their engines and how many people are in your group
- Do not “show boat” keep the noise of the vehicle to a minimum until they are way past the group
Snowmobiles
Encountering a snowmobile on the trail should never occur if you are following the OF4WD guidelines for seasonal dates. However there are many trails that are open for 4WD winter use whereas you may come across a snowmobile riding off-trail or what is called “Boondocking”. These are generally larger snowmobiles used for back woods adventures or surveying.
Snowmobiles Seen along a groomed trail
If you encounter a snowmobile on the trail follow the same steps as if it were an ATV.
Remember, follow the seasonal dates and never drive on a groomed snowmobile trail. Their season is very short, let them have their fun, the 4WD definitely gets a larger piece of pie when it comes to use time