Riding ATVs and offroading is a fun recreational activity that is enjoyed by many families every single weekend all over the country. It's a very popular sport with thousands of new riders joining every year.

Part of the reason for the incredible growth is the huge selection of different types of ATVs on the market today, from sport/racing to utility to side by sides and beyond. With more and more ATVs hitting the trails we have to be more and more careful about not damaging the trail system and always ride responsibly.

Reducing Damage to Trail Systems

One of the biggest complaints directed towards ATVs and offroading is that they are destructive. Like any other offroad vehicle, when you ride off the normal trail you will damage the terrain. This isn't really a problem in sand dunes because the next wind that comes along with wipe your tracks away. But that's not the case in other types of terrain, so it's important to ride responsibly every time.

If the area you ride in already has a defined trail, try to stay on it so you reduce the damage you do to surrounding areas. If the area has designated trail systems it is very important you stay on the designated trail. If you don't you run the risk of getting the trail system closed because of the damage you can do to the surrounding ecosystem.

Another problem that makes people frown on ATVs and offroading is trash and litter. When you are out riding don't leave trash behind. Always make sure you clean up your mess and if you can, help clean up other people's mess that aren't as courteous.

It will go a long way in helping keep your trails open for riding.

Being Safe While Offroading

As we ride ATVs and go offroading part of riding responsibly means we have to ride within our ability as well as staying within the legal boundaries. Most ATV related injuries, even though they were technically "accidents", could have been prevented with just a little bit of preparation, by wearing the right ATV safety gear and by riding responsibly.

Things like always wearing a helmet when you ride, riding within you and your machine's capability, and not being reckless while you ride can make a world of difference for you physically and mentally, but it also helps to shine a more positive light on ATVs.