Respectfully Ride a Motorcycle on Public and Private Lands
Riding a motorcycle on public and private lands can be a great source of recreation. Respectful practices will benefit both you and those around you. The following explains how to respectfully ride a motorcycle on public and private lands.
Steps
- Ride on lands that you are permitted to use.
- Only ride on private property if the owner has authorized it.
- If authorized to ride on private land, be sure not to cross onto other private property.
- Do not cut off other motorists.
- Stay on established roads or trails.
- Avoid cutting corners on tight turns or riding over vegetation.
- Riding over vegetation causes environmental problems. Some plants are easily damaged and have difficulty recovering.
- Be courteous to others.
- Hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, or other vehicles may be present in the location you are riding in.
- Be sure not to overuse your throttle, as this may leave a cloud of dust or gravel behind you for others to deal with.
- Keep the noise to a minimum.
- Whenever you are near others, especially non-riders, keep the RPM and speed lower than you would otherwise.
- Be especially careful near horses.
- Scaring a horse could lead to serious harm for you, the rider, the horse, and nearby people.
- When you approach a horse, turn your engine off.
- Take off your helmet and speak in a calm, normal voice. Saying "hello" will help the horse recognize you as a human.
- Avoid any sudden movements.
- Slow down and stop on the outside of the road or trail.
- Turn off your engine when taking a break.
- This will reduce unnecessary noise for others in the area.
- This will reduce your fuel consumption and air pollution in the area.
- Respect the environment.
- Do not litter used bottles or food wrappers onto the ground.
- Locate garbage bins or recycling bins for your items. If none are available, take the items home with you to dispose of.
- Attempt to avoid crossing through waterways. This causes erosion and damage to the fish and plants that live in them.
- If this is a longer trip and you stop to make a fire, ensure that it is safe and that it is completely extinguished before you leave. Not doing so could lead to a forest fire.
Tips
- Do not start up your motorcycle until you are certain that all in your party are ready to ride.
- Ensure that your motorcycle has a properly maintained muffler.
- Do not alter the exhaust system. This may make the motorcycle sound faster and increase noise, but it does not alter its performance.
