I think that part of the issue here is plain and simple, its called human nature. People like the thrill of getting away with things that they know are wrong. Not all of us but some of us. My example of this is Sand Lake oregon, the riding area ther is more than large enough to accomidate everyone, however , everytime I ride there I allways see people riding past the restricted areas that are posted beyond a doubt. There isn't even good riding were they go but they go anyway. Anyone who has ever rode there will know what I mean. Almost everywhere I notice simular acts, If I notice so will big brother, and they do. Here is thier take; We give them a designated area to ride-and they violate it, so its time to close it all. When we were kids and were told not to leave the yard or the block what happened? Mom and dad is about to ground us all again for what others do.

 

Getting back to the original thread, I can see where you might get that idea from, however luckily some of us are fighting to keep that from happening. The key is involvement.. on every level... we have to fight for what we love. WIth th esheer numbers of ATV sales every year, they cannot turn a deaf ear to us any longer. We represent a threat by sheer numbers to the environmentalists.. and they have the necessary funding and professional lawyers available to keep the legal system tied up for years.... It is becoming a seige and a war of attrition...

 

Some new ideas on the subject. I agree with those that think we are under attack. But I am not sure I am in agreement on causes. What I see is government agencies, local authorities etc are reacting to multiple complaints, and sensationalism in the media. Let's face it, they are organized. We are not... So their complaints are heard while most sit back and turn a blind eye thinking it won't happen to them. Well it does, and it will...

So what are the causes? Lack of education is one...Lack of enforcable standards is another. The education deal is a target worth looking into, as if promises the biggest possible gains. The eduaction process begins with mom and dad.. not just the kids. Education on choosing a quad that is right sized for your child, how to assess their mental ability to see if they can handle an ATV, proper training tecniques, local ATV laws, etc, are all bits of information that parents need to know BEFORE they get their checkbooks out. Adults that provide bad examples are not helping either.

Right now even if a parent acts responsibly and does try to find out information on training, ATV's stats, how to ride etc... it is all a great big jumble. The CPSC guidelines are in dire need of adjustment, but I do not see industry leaders, who by the way forced them on the CPSC, not the other way around as many believe, should take the lead and push for a revisit. There are enough of us out here that have a rational opinon that are willing to give up their precious time to assist in the process. Give us a chance.

Once a reasonable guide is available, then there is the enforcement issue. States that rely on recreation based economies are usually in tune with the industry.. but those states that do not, couldn't care less. I bet you a bunch of money that in states like West Virginia, where the Hatfield McCoy has litterally saved the region's economy, they pay close attention to what is going on.

SO what can we do you ask.... join your voice to the many organiations that are attempting to educate our leaders, who actively are involved in discussions to make sure that the envinmentists tell the truth, not the skewed BS they have provided to date. Self policing of those that would act irresponsibly... get them off the trails... we don't need them, or want them around. Make sure we get positive reporting in the press of the good things that ATV's and our sport are doing. Like rescue work, etc... there are a lot of activities that use ATV's that can help build a better public view.

Remember when harley riders were all thought to be hooligans and killers... and now think about the way they are treated today, with respect and honor.. they have become the establishment, not the outcast.... we could turn this around too.

 

Its hard to follow up after a dragginbutt response, But I wish that all of us could not only read his last post but do something to act on a lot of his suggestions. Unfortunetly probably next to none of us do anymore to get involved than maybe sign an occasional petition or something like that. How many of us belong to any clubs or organizations that fight for our sport? The voice of one is sometimes to quiet, however we all know that the voices of the many are more easlier heard. Lets all do our part.
One last thing, today I was riding in my local area where I ran in to some people new to the riding area. They instantly asked why I had a chain saw shovels pick axe and other tools ect. with me. I explained to them that I maintain the trails up there and put in small culverts and such. They couldn't believe that I was doing this, and wanted to know How much of the land was mine. I told them none of it and they about fell over. I maintain the trails there for a few reasons, to help with erosion, to keep the trails safe for those who aren't into tech riding, to cut down on people creating new trails to by-pass hard spots which create more and more hard spots, which in turn willl cause people to find another way around. Also a lot of people Like to hunt and ride horses in this same area so we clean up as high as we can on the trees so that the branches don't hit the horse riders so we like to make it nice for all riders. Plus it keeps DNR off the rampage if it looks clean and not trashed. And I forgot that I like my kids to ride up there also, whick can't happen if all the trails are rated extemely diffucult. I have ran into some punks who don't like me fix'n stuff beacause they like the hard stuff. Oh well what can I say.
After telling these folks why, 1/2 of them thought I was wasting my time, smerked and smiled amongst themselves. The others all started asking how they could help. I couldn't believe it 3 people actually got off thier quads and started to help pick up the trash that was in the area. Will they continue? Maybe, afterall they did end up telling me that they had just bought 50 acres up in this area.
My point here is simple, Monkey see. Monkey do.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Hey DB I guess your rubbing off on me, I mean look I typed more than two sentences.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Thanks Quadduck... Sometimes I think I am alone in my thinking.. it is nice to know that there are a few of us out there that do care enough to get involved and take matters in hand. I especially want to thank you for your trail work. It is a thankless job.. but a necessary one... If more people would take the initiative, and set the example, others will follow....

Keep up the good work...

 

No thanks needed, I actually enjoy doing that kind of work. I just enjoy seeing the fruits of me and all my riding buddies labor.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Here I go again![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Blue Ribbon Coalition Please join