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Drive Responsibly
Hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and off-highway vehicle recreationists all have things in common--such as a love of the outdoors and the use of a motor vehicle to get where they are going. Knowing how to Tread Lightly! with your vehicle is the responsibility of all vehicle operators.
Tread Lightly! is more than just a concept. It's a nonprofit organization that aggressively promotes a responsible land-use ethic among off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor recreationists. Its main thrust is aimed at motorized vehicle users, but its principles also apply to mountain bikers, hikers or anyone who finds him or herself on a trail. top
THE TREAD LIGHTLY! PLEDGE:
TRAVEL ONLY WHERE PERMITTED
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS
EDUCATE YOURSELF
AVOID STREAMS, MEADOWS, WILDLIFE, ETC.
DRIVE AND TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY
- Respect the land--always stay on designated trails
- Avoid wet or muddy trails
- Save them for future trips when they are dry
- Don't cut switchbacks, take shortcuts, or create new trails
- Keep to the right of the trail--save the left for passing
- When overtaking another user, always announce your intentions
- Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic
- Listen for other trail users and stand on the high side (when possible) of the trail to allow uphill users to pass
- Slow down when sharing the trail
- Adjust your pace when approaching users
- Travel at a speed appropriate for the trail and the weather conditions
- Always travel at a speed that allows you to be in control
- When in a group, travel single file and don't block the trail
- Allow enough room for other users
- Keep pets under control and/or on a leash when on the trail top
Four-wheel drives, buggies/sand rails and passenger vehicles
The guidelines below were developed primarily for those who venture on to roads less traveled with a four-wheel drive. However, these guidelines also apply to anyone who travels into the backcountry, even where four-wheel drive is not necessary.
Adventurous recreationists need to be prepared for the unexpected and emergencies. One must be thrifty with cargo space and plan carefully. Here are some universally accepted tips for a safer trip:
Always tell a responsible person where you're traveling and when you'll return. Give them a specific map if possible, or at least a general area if you intend to explore as you go.
Don't go alone. Two heads are always better than one and so are two backs if labor is required to free a stuck vehicle. A second person also can be a great help guiding a driver through tight spots. If the trip will be extremely difficult, try to take two vehicles. Two vehicles can get one another out of bad jams.
Water, water, water. Take at least 5 gallons. If all else fails, at least you can stay in good condition for several days with enough water.
Someone must stay with the vehicle if it's stuck. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person on foot. Walk out for help only if you know exactly where you are and how far it is to help.
Know your vehicle. Try out your vehicle in easy places until you know it well. Take a four-wheeling class. Read the owner's manual. · Use common sense. If a road looks too tough for your skills, it probably is. If you get in a bind, don't panic. Stop the vehicle, get out and explore a little. Your good sense often will tell you how to get out. Just don't hurry. top
What are the absolute backcountry essentials?
Of course, some necessities depend on where, in what season and how long your adventure will be. It helps to separate your needs into categories: navigational necessities, personal safety and emergency supplies, personal comfort, mechanical repair, field recovery (for getting unstuck), andfoul-weather needs. Then your checklist takes shape easily. top
Vehicle Necessities
- Area maps and guides
- Permits if needed
- CB radio or portable phone
- First Aid kit with manual
- Spare medicine or prescription
- Spare eyeglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Toilet paper
- Appropriate clothes if night falls or weather fouls, and space blanket
- Extra food and WATER (minimum of 5 gallons per vehicle) just in case (when all else fails, at least you can stay in good condition for several days with enough water)
- Pocket knife and food utensils
- Spare ignition key
- Flashlight (or two) with extra batteries
- Matches (in waterproof container)
- Emergency flares
- Fire extinguisher (halon preferred)
- Good full-size spare tire (check for proper inflation just before trip)
- Tire-changing tools, including good jack
- Tire repair kit, air pump or cans of sealant
- Extra fuel and radiator coolant in proper containers
- Extra engine oil and brake fluid
- Jumper cables
- Radiator stop-leak
- Spare fan belt and radiator hose
- Basic tool kit; screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, vise-grips, duct tape,bailing wire, hammer, nylon cord.
- Field recovery gear; tow strap with attaching hardware, leather gloves, shovel, high-lift jack, planks for traction or jack support.
This is a good starter list, but there's no substitute for careful planning on your part to tailor the list to your special needs and space constraints. Overnight and longer expeditions require more gear--for camping. cooking, and such. And you may want to take more spare parts and tools, depending upon the severity of the terrain and your mechanical skills.
The most important piece of gear you should take along is another vehicle. On a day trip or a whole safari, the buddy system is the best way to maximize fun and safety, and minimize damage (to your vehicle and the trail) getting unstuck or past obstacles. top
Trailbikers and ATVer's
Follow Tread Lightly! principles.
· As a minimum, consider taking and using the following safety equipment: helmet, goggles, gloves, protective clothing, a first aid kit, matches and a signal mirror.
· Make sure you have enough fuel (and 2-cycle oil if required) and drinking water for the round trip. Drinking water can be more important than fuel in the desert.
· If you break down in the desert, consider staying with your vehicle rather than setting off on your own for help.
· Ride under control at a safe speed, considering the terrain and the possibility of meeting other users.
· When meeting equestrians, approach slowly, pull over, turn off your engine and remove your helmet, ask the riders what to do to facilitate passing.
· When overtaking others, follow at a safe distance until they reach the next suitable place to pass, then pass slowly and quietly as possible. Be considerate of other users of the outdoors, like hikers and backpackers. Let them have their place, too.
· Do not ride your machine in campgrounds except to enter and leave the area. Ensure that your vehicle is allowed on the site, you may be required to push it in and out of the area.
· Get the quietest machine you can, then make it quieter. Be sure to have an approved, working spark arrester on your machine.
· Honor trail closures, both seasonal and permanent.
· Stay on legal trails and roads, do not ride cross country.
· Be prepared with spares, accessories, maps, etc., so you can enjoy the ride and consider the environment. top
Bicyclists
· Bicyclists yield to all other trail users.
· All downhill traffic should yield to uphill traffic, no matter what type of user.
· Know what areas are open for bicycling use and always stay on designated trails
- Riding off-trail damages resources and threatens other users and wildlife
· Approach each bend as if someone were around the corner
· When approaching trail stock, announce your presence, STOP, and ask if it is safe to pass. If not, dismount from your bicycle and stand to the side of the trail. Talk to the riders as they pass, but don't make any sudden movement or noise that may cause a horse to spook.
· Always ride with care and maintain control of your bicycle at all times by keeping your speed at a reasonable pace.
· Never ride in designated wilderness areas as they are officially closed to bicycles.
· Avoid riding in muddy conditions as bicycle tires can leave linear trenches in the mud, encouraging rapid erosion of trails. top
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