Why Some People Hate ATV Riding in Nature

There has always been a great debate between motorsports activists who want to enjoy riding their machines in nature and nature lovers who argue that off-road motor vehicles harm the environment and destroy areas for those who want to enjoy the outdoors in other ways. It could be argued that motorcycle and ATV riders have the same right to use state lands as anyone else, but that other outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, bird watching, and even maintaining a natural balance and consistent floodplain that riding would interfere with are mostly do not get in the way of riding. Understanding what nature lovers are doing and how your riding affects them will help sustain ATV riding in your current area and even spread ATV riding to more areas.

The first justification for banning ATV riding in certain areas is the detrimental effects that ATVs have on the environment. ATVs emit smoke, make noise, and disperse mud on the property, but these elements have little effect on the environment. However, if ATVs are ridden improperly or carelessly, they can damage waterways and have a very noticeable impact on the local environment. The biggest and most likely risk is damage to the vegetation in the waterways and surrounding banks. These plants support the river banks, and if the plants die as they are overcome, the soil in that area can easily be washed away, changing the flow of the river and often causing flooding. These floods damage the normally very fertile bottomlands, which become hot spots for deer, turkeys, wild mushrooms, many wild birds, and many other things that nature lovers seek. Furthermore, as erosion continues along rivers, fine sediment fills the water, making it harder for tadpoles, crayfish, and other creatures to grow, damaging ecosystems, fish populations, and fishing opportunities. Most state laws allow ATVs to cross rivers and streams, but the most damage is done when going up and down waterways because so much sediment is stirred up in the water.

Besides trying not to damage the waterways and floodplains, there are a few other things you can do to avoid interfering with other activities that take place along the trail. For the most part, as long as you stay on the trail, you should not have any problems. If you go off-trail, you will bump into people who are not very fond of motorized activities, and in some cases, ruin their day. If you are riding in an area where hunting is allowed, you should take a minute or two to find out what animals are in season and know what else is going on in the woods. Many hunters complain about ATV riders passing by their hunting grounds to see if they have any luck. But remember, many hunters look forward to catching a big deer or turkey for months. It's like you were looking forward to driving through an area, only to turn around for a second and have your tires slashed by a hunter, ruining your trip. A day that you have spent weeks or months planning and anticipating can be destroyed in a matter of seconds. The same can be said for birdwatchers, hikers, and anyone else fishing in the river or pond you are on. You may not realize it, but ATVs are a conspicuous presence in the woods, and not one that all creatures, including humans, appreciate.

While there may be conflicts between motorsports enthusiasts and other outdoor enthusiasts, a little respect goes a long way. Also, keep in mind that many people who hunt, fish, hike, etc. ride or have ridden ATVs and vice versa. Many hunters use ATV trucks to quickly cover ground and get into places where no one would normally go to catch their prey without suspicion. Many hunters understand that deer and turkeys get used to the sight and sound of ATVs on the trail. However, leaving the trail on an ATV can be a nuisance to wildlife and floodplains, and a solid reason for nature lovers and lawmakers to restrict ATV riding to certain areas.