We all like to rider different, however, there are certain ATV rules of the trail that all offroad riders should try to follow, and certain mistakes Riders make that they should try and avoid.
Watch our initial ATV Trail Etiquette video
• ATV Etiquette // Don't...
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There are so many amazing public (and private) trails to enjoy riding with your ATV or Side by Side. By not thinking of other riders, however, can not only be dangerous but also ruin the enjoyment for many people. That is why every so often we discuss some rules of the trail that can be important to remember when out riding.
About a year and a half ago, we did our first video on ATV Trail Etiquette. For this version of mistakes riders make, we took the top 5 comments from that video to discuss rules of the trail that riders should keep in mind.
#1: Passing with Loud Exhaust and Music
When out on the trails you often come across other riders. These riders may just be moving slowly or stopped on the side of the road. When approaching, remember to slow down and turn the music down. This is two-fold, by slowing down your exhaust will become quieter, and it will also help keep dust and rocks from kicking up on other riders. While some enjoy loud music and exhaust, others don't. So slowing down and turning the music down is a curtesy to the riders around you.
#2 Waiting for other Riders at Turns
This one can be more and more important the bigger your riding group is. The idea is simple, when approaching a turn, stop at the turn, look behind you, and make sure the rider coming up next see's where you turn. Whether to avoid dust or just to get space, we all often like to spread out along the trail. Waiting at the turn ensure the rider coming up next does not miss the turn and goes the wrong way.
#3 Parking Lot Racers
This one is all too common and just outright dangerous. When in and around the trailhead, slow down. That might seem obvious, but riders get excited to get out on the trail or back to their trailer and tend to go way too fast. That's not even accounting for those that just don't care and speed around in areas they shouldn't. A lot is happening at a trailhead parking lot, so we should all make sure to slow down and be aware of everything happening around us at the trailhead.
#4 Don't Drink and Ride
I hesitate to bring this one up because every rider has heard it many times. Sadly, it's still a big problem, however. So the message is simple. Please don't drink and ride. Save the drinks for after the ride (If it's legal for you!) when everyone can relax and talk about the great day they had riding.
#5 Trail riding without lights
This is the one I always screw up on. I seem to forget all too often to turn my lights on when riding the trails. When someone notices and tells me, I gladly turn them on. While many riders prefer you to ride with your lights on, its actually a law in every state I am aware of. So even if you aren't doing it for other riders, you should at least do it for yourself.
So there we have it, the 5 most common complaints from riders that they wish others would follow (or at least the top 5 not discussed last time). Number 1 is still all the trash some riders leave behind, but have already covered that one....but seriously, pick up your trash, please!
Let's hear your thoughts, leave a comment below with the biggest mistake you see other riders make out on the trail. As always, thanks for watching, and I hope to see you on the trail!