Midwest Trail Riders is a family oriented organization.
As such, we strive to maintain an environment which is safe, friendly
and fun for everyone. In order to help ensure this is the case
we are in the process of establishing a set of rules that
we are asking everyone to observe when riding. While we know we can not
strictly enforce these rules since MTR is an all volunteer group we do hope that
you will review the rules below and choose to to be a responsible rider. They are:
- NO Alcohol allowed at any club event regardless of the location - Operating an ATV while drinking
is not only unsafe, it is illegal in most places.
- OBEY posted signs and stay on the trails - The quickest way for you to be banned from most riding
areas is to fail to follow the trail rules and signs. Further, venturing from marked trails can result
in a rider coming face to face with unexpected obstacles such as ditches, drop offs, cliffs, trees, etc.
- RESPECT other riders and the environment and do not ride
down trees or otherwise cause any damage to person or property - This
is just common sense.
Also, if you damage property while riding you will likely not only be held financially responsible for
the damage but you may be ruining a good riding location for the rest of us.
- WATCH your speed. Riding at excessive speeds not only endangers you but others around you.
- WEAR and use proper safety equipment - Another common sense rule. Without proper safety equipment
you are putting yourself at unnecessary risk. Further, many of the trails require the proper use
of safety equipment in order to ride. At a minimum you should wear a helmet. Eye protection is another
important piece of safety equipment. If you can't see you can't drive! Gloves, over-the-ankle boots,
long sleve shirts and long pants are also important parts of your safety gear when riding.
- RIDE the right ATV. Most manufacturers recommend certain size ATV's for certain ages. Most manufacturers
recommend an ATV less than 70cc for children under 12, a 70cc to 90cc ATV for children 12 to 16 and an ATV larger
than 90cc for people over 16. An ATV that is too large for the rider can be dangerous. Smaller children do not have
the strength to control the larger ATV's in difficult situations.
- ENFORCE policies and rules, this is your group and
it is your responsibility to make it work and keep it safe - If you see someone violating a rule, law or
policy let them know. We are all responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of our
riding locations. The more we police ourseleves the less others will feel the need to do so for us.
- KNOW the law - Learn the ATV laws in your state and those in the areas you will be riding. Knowledge of
the laws will not only help keep you safe but it may help you aviod an expensive ticket or worse.
While MTR is an all volunteer organization we do reserve the right to ask anyone that poses a safety
risk to themselves or others, disobeys the
rules (group, trail, state or federal law, etc.), or otherwise causes a disturbance or to leave group sponsored events and / or to discontinue their
membership in MTR and use of MTR resources (depending on the violation).
Midwest Trail Riders also supports the Tread
Lightly philosophy. For more information please visit their website at
http://www.treadlightly.org
- Travel and recreate with minimum impact
- Respect the environment and the rights of others
- Educate yourself--plan and prepare before you go
- Allow for future use of the outdoors--leave it
better than you found it
- Discover the rewards of responsible recreation
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