The Ontario government is getting "out of the way" and allowing municipalities to decide where off-road vehicles are permitted in their communities, Minister of Transportation and York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney announced in Bradford today.
The province aims to make it easier for off-road vehicles to connect to trails and municipal roads, Mulroney said.
“We know that municipalities are in the best position to decide how these types of off-road vehicles can be safely integrated into their communities,” she said. “This is another example of how our government wants to get out of the way and support local decision making to further encourage tourism and economic prosperity.”
The proposed measures would loosen the red tape, allowing off-road vehicle riders more access to the trail networks, and to surrounding communities, businesses and attractions.
“It’s a popular recreational activity that brings all kinds of riders, from locals to tourists alike to communities like Bradford here today,” said Mulroney. “It’s an opportunity to get out and enjoy the hundreds of kilometres of trails through what is some of Ontario’s most beautiful country.”
President of the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) Art Ash noted that ATV riders have already benefited from using municipal roadways, and said he is happy this is being extended to the off-road motorcycle community.
“What it will do is draw tourism to areas such as Simcoe County,” he said. “Because there’s a huge amazing network of trails in Simcoe County and is probably one of the best partners we have as far as building trails and supporting various sports.”
“The OFTR believes that safe responsible use of the roads in Ontario will make the trail networks in Ontario an incredible experience for all riders.”
If passed, the Ministry of Transportation would set specific regulations for a municipality to permit off-road vehicles on its roads.
“They would see us like a normal motorcycle,” explained Ash. “And we would have the same laws applied to us like an ATV.”
Riders would need to meet the following safety requirements before being permitted onto the roads:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Hold a valid G2 or M2 licence
- Wear a seatbelt, where provided
- Travel at speeds less than the posted speed limit
- Carry the ATV/ORV’s registration permit
Passenger safety requirements:
- If the vehicle was manufactured with seatbelts, everyone must buckle up
- If the vehicle has passenger footrests, the passenger must be able to reach these footrests
- The number of occupants is limited to the number of available seating positions
- No passengers under the age of eight are allowed and additional passenger restrictions apply if the driver is a young and novice diver with a minimum G2 or M2 licence
- All riders, drivers and passengers must wear an approved motorcycle helmet
The rules would apply to municipal roads only, and not provincial highways.
Mulroney said the government is welcoming feedback from industry and enforcement on how best to integrate this plan into local communities throughout the province.
The legislation is before the house and will need to pass regulations to prescribe which vehicles municipalities will allow onto their roads.
