Minimize Your ATV Environmental Footprint With These Tips
Decreasing the impact on the environment
In 2021, the North American market for ATVs was valued at almost $6 billion dollars. This proves that more and more people are heading to their local ATV dealer and buying a new vehicle, seeking the thrill of taking on the elements and building a vehicle that can take on the obstacles of any environment it's in.
But because it's such an exciting way to enjoy the outdoors, it makes it all the more important to take preventative measures to avoid damaging the environment when you ride. Here's what you can do to keep ATV damage to the environment to a minimum while you're out on the trails.
Stay on Designated Trails
Speaking of being on the trail, ATV trails are designed to reduce the amount of damage done to the environment and create a safe way for people to enjoy their rides and avoid getting lost. Going off the trail can cause excessive harm to the environment and destroy scenic views for others.
Riding along the ground leads to soil compaction, which can negatively impact the ecosystem and wildlife. The weight of the vehicle presses the soil together and reduces the space between the particles, making it harder for the soil to retain water.
This can lead to excessive runoff where water doesn't soak into the soil but falls downhill. Staying on the appropriate trails minimises this risk while still allowing you to have fun.
Similarly, avoid riding in streams, fields, or any other terrain off-trail unless it's an emergency. Wetlands and ATVs generally don't mix, as riding in these unauthorized areas not only puts your ATV at risk if you don't have the proper tires but can have a devastating impact on the environment.
You may kill or harm fish and other small animals that inhabit the waters, and crush eggs and young offspring, harming the food chain as a whole. Any gas or engine fluids that leak into the water will also damage plant and animal life.
You should also not go off the trail to avoid obstacles unless it's necessary, as it may lead to trampling young trees and plants. Instead, you should aim to go over debris, rocks, and other natural objects on the trail.
Tread Lightly
Just as it's important to stay on the trail, you should work to maintain it as much as possible as well. Staying in the middle of the trail will keep you safest and avoid damaging the ground and plants growing around it.
Additionally, take care not to gouge the trail or take turns too sharply. This can result in the trail being harder to navigate and throwing soil into places where it doesn't belong.
Plan Ahead
Planning for an ATV ride includes more than filling up the gas and checking your gear. Before you go out, check the weather forecast. Going off-roading after rain or snow can damage the trail and harm the animals in the area. You may accelerate erosion and animals that drink from puddles or look for food after rains may be harmed if you can't see them or you may damage their food sources.
You should also make sure it won't rain while you're out on the train, as your visibility will be hindered and can lead to your riding off-trail and, at worst, may cause an accident that damages the vehicle, harms you, and the environment. So it's a lose-lose-lose situation, and nobody likes that.
Use Low-pressure, Non-aggressive Tires
Reducing the impact of ATVs on the environment includes your tires as well. If you're riding exclusively or nearly exclusively on trails, having an aggressive tire usually isn't necessary. Tires with aggressive tread cause large amounts of erosion and damage. A standard off-road low-pressure tire, however, reduces this harm by spreading out the pressure on the trail.
Use the Throttle Wisely
It's not only for your safety that you keep your speed in mind when riding your ATV. Unnecessary amounts of noise due to the engine or sounds of soil shifting can scare animals and disrupt the natural predator-prey dynamics of the wildlife.
ATVs can also disturb dust and smaller particles of debris in the environment, polluting the air and reducing visibility for yourself or any riders behind you and the animals around you.
Extra Tips
Before you ride, check your local guidelines and regulations on ATV usage. There may be regionally specific rules on noise and when you can ride during the season. Depending on the terrain and wildlife, check which trails you're allowed to ride on during certain times of the year.
One of the golden rules for respecting the environment is to avoid littering, and it applies to ATV riders as well. Taking your trash with you is one of the simplest ways that you can help take care of the environment while you're on an ATV ride.
It may seem tempting to leave the mud and dirt on the ATV after your ride, but it's important to wash it afterwards. This will keep you from spreading potentially invasive plants and weeds in the other areas you ride and keep your ATV in proper condition.
You can also decrease the amount of air pollution and conserve fuel by turning off the vehicle when you're going to be sitting or staying in one place for a while.
The Takeaway: Enjoy the Trails With Care
It's both easy and important to mind the environment while you go out on a ride. Following these ATV tips will help you keep the outdoors clean and reduce the amount of ATV damage to the environment.
Next time you're at your local ATV dealer like Dunfords of Havelock, make sure to get your vehicle serviced and pick up new safety gear, along with a pamphlet or other information on your region's guidelines and specific environmental regulations.