Griping about trail closures is a popular pastime for motorcyclists, ATVers, rock crawlers and even some mountain bikers. Legal places to ride always seem to shrink and never seem to grow. But it would be hypocritical to whine about restrictions if you were just adding fuel to the fire. So I devised a simple checklist to ensure that your land ethic is up to par. This list also serves as a way to evaluate others you encounter. If you can answer yes to all of the following questions, then you can protest with righteousness. Otherwise, you need to shape up. Happy trails!
Safety
Do I use a well-maintained vehicle and proper riding gear, while bringing along a rain jacket, map, extra food and water, a tool kit and first-aid supplies? (Don't forget the TP.)
Do I use proper riding techniques and stay in control (saving the beer for afterward)?
Do I look out for others in my group (instead of playing my own episode of "Survivor")?
Legality
Does my muffler emit less than 96 decibels from 20 inches away (with no sparks)?
Do I properly register my equipment? (That includes the OHV sticker that funds trail work and education programs, not just Johnny Law.)
Do I follow all applicable rules from federal, state and local agencies and don't trespass, either?
Do I stay on designated or established trails, where travel is open to dirt bikes (not just the "trail" made by the guy in front of me)?
To ride off-trail, do I choose areas specifically set aside for unrestricted use (not just any place without a closed sign)?
Environment
Is my machine EPA-compliant? (Closed-course models put global warming on a fast track.)
Do I stage in previously used sites and practice minimum-impact camping? (The desert doesn't generate enough wood for personal fires.)
Do I stay precisely on trails that are wider than my vehicle, following the most established path? (Four wheels don't fit on single-track.)
Do I park or turn around within the confines of the trail, on slickrock or in active-wash bottoms? (U-turns and single-track don't mix.)
Do I avoid sensitive conditions, such as mountains or clay-based soil when wet? (Wheelspin and hills don't mix.)
Do I yield to wildlife/livestock, viewing them only from a distance? (They need no help getting exercise.)
Society
Am I respectful to other land users, in the staging area and on the trail? (They aren't impressed by wheelies.)
When passing, do I slow down, minimize dust, lower my rpm, say hello and give others room? (Without leaving the trail bed, smarty-pants.)
If encountering a horseman, do I shut off my engine and ask the rider for instructions (instead of reenacting my favorite Western-film chase)?
Activism
Do I educate others to tread lightly? (Don't let them continue to ruin our image.)
Do I pitch in with trail maintenance? ("I pay my taxes" isn't enough.)
Do I support organizations that promote responsible recreation? ("They should do something...")
Do I exercise my democratic voice in the management of public lands? (Those "dang bureaucrats.")
Clif Koontz is the program director for Ride With Respect, a nonprofit organization. Based in Moab, Utah, Ride With Respect maintains recreational trails and educates visitors.