Wed, June 5, 2002
By BRYCE PETERSEN JR.
Standard-Examiner staff 

More on ATVs

Utah.com: Off Road 
NASD: All-Terrain Vehicles 
ATVUtah 
Wilderness Society: Skid Marks 
 
 

There is no shortage of trails open to all-terrain vehicles in the Top of Utah -- you just have to know where to go. And where not to go.

Whether it"s desert riding in Southern Utah or mountain riding just a few miles from home, there are several trails within striking distance for riders with a free weekend, day or even afternoon.

For Weber County riders, the closest spot is Monte Cristo. Just 18 miles up Ogden Canyon, the surrounding area is home to many miles of open, posted trails. In western Box Elder County, ATVs are allowed on a network of trails along the abandoned railroad grade on Bureau of Land Management land. And there are hundreds of miles of roads open to ATVs in the eastern canyons of Cache County.

But as with any ATV haven, these areas are not free-for-all. Rules for ATV users can be divided into three categories: those designed to protect you; those designed to protect others; and those designed to protect the land.

Some ATV enthusiasts, like Robert Birkinshaw of Murray, believe a lack of education contributes to abuse and eventual closure of trails.

"When people are educated, they are more likely to make good choices and good decisions," Birkinshaw said.

Birkinshaw is adding his voice to those of Forest Service, BLM and state officials who plead for responsible ATV use on public lands. He has created a Web site, www.utahatvtrails.com, devoted to informing riders of open areas, safety issues and ways to tread lightly.

"There is no justification for those fools who go into the forest and abuse it," he said. "I cannot condone it, so I have taken some lengthy steps to make it so that those who would learn could learn."

And riders have responded, to the tune of 200 hits a day at the  6-month-old Web site. The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation also publishes a list of ATV hot spots, areas in every corner of the state that provide six hours worth of riding on designated trails in areas that land  managers identified as suitable for increased use.

For more specific information on an area, riders are directed to the offices of the local Forest Service ranger district or the BLM, where maps are available that show specifically where motorized traffic is allowed.

Also, here is a list of ATV rules from the 1997 Ogden and Logan Ranger Districts Travel Map:

Safety

Do not ride on roads used by fast-moving, low-clearance vehicles.

Ride on the right side of the road and in single file. Be alert to oncoming traffic, particularly on blind corners, hill crests and in dips.

Ride only at safe speeds for existing conditions.

No person should operate an ATV or dirt bike carrying a passenger.

Parents and guardians should accompany and supervise operators between 8 and 15 years old at all times.

No person under 12 years old should operate an ATV exceeding 125 ccs on public lands.

Display a bright-colored "whip flag" on ATVs when operating on designated roads and in sand dune areas.

Ride with a headlight and taillight on at all times.

Courtesy

Pack out what you pack in.

Park off the road.

Respect property and privacy of others.

Respect solitude. Many visitors come in search of quiet and serenity afforded by the open space.

The hiker or horseback rider has right of way for reasons of safety and by rule of common courtesy.

Signs and trail markers are for direction and use of the area. Please protect them.

Use gates when traveling through fenced lands.

Tread lightly

Plan ahead to know where ATVs are allowed. Go to local Forest Service ranger district, BLM office or Utah State Parks and Recreation for information.

Avoid running over young trees, shrubs and grasses.

Stay off soft, wet roads and trails. The roads are easily torn up and repair is expensive.

Do not drive on meadows, steep hillsides or streambanks and lake shores easily scarred by churning wheels.

Stay on designated trails. Cutting your own trail can damage the watershed.

Stay away from wild animals that are rearing young or suffering from food shortage. Stress can sap scarce energy reserves.

Obey gate closures and regulatory signs. Vandalism costs tax dollars.

Stay out of wilderness areas. Know where the boundaries are.

 Get permission to travel across private land. Respect landowner rights.