Adventure Motorcycles 

Knowing how to minimize your environmental impact when you ride is critical. Below are some quick tips on responsible adventure motorcycle riding in the great outdoors using the TREAD principles.

Minimize your impact by travelling only in areas open to motorized vehicles. Learn more about our Responsible Rider campaign.

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY 

Travel responsibly on designated roads, trails or areas.

  • Travel only in areas open to adventure motorcycle use.
  • Ride smoothly and minimize wheel spin. On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake‑sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail.
  • Drive over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trail.
  • Slow down when sight lines are poor. Cross streams only at designated fording points, where the road or trail crosses the stream.
  • Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
  • Buddy up with two or three riders to reduce vulnerability if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.
  • When winching or towing another bike, always inspect your equipment, use the right gear for the situation, find a good secure anchor and never winch with less than five wraps of wire rope around the drum.
  • When using a tree as an anchor, use a wide tree strap to avoid damaging the trunk of the tree.
  • Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate motorcycles with both ears covered.
  • Don’t mix riding with alcohol or drugs.

RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS 

  • Be considerate of others on the road or trail. Learn the basics of trail etiquette.
  • Leave gates as you find them. If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
  • Yield the right of way to those passing you or travelling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers and horses.
  • Proceed with caution around horses and pack animals. Sudden, unfamiliar activity may spook animals, possibly causing injury to animals, handlers and others on the trail.
  • When encountering horses on the trail, move to the side of the trail, stop, shut off your engine, remove your helmet and speak. You want the horse to know you are human. Ask the rider how to proceed.
  • Do not ride around in camping, picnicking, trailhead or residential areas.
  • Keep speeds low around crowds and in camping areas.
  • Keep the noise and dust down.

EDUCATE YOURSELF 

Educate yourself prior to a trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking riding skills classes and knowing how to operate your equipment safely.

  • Obtain a map (motor vehicle use map where appropriate) of your destination and determine which areas are open to adventure motorcycles.
  • Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell someone your travel plans.
  • Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures and permit requirements.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go. Prepare for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency items.
  • Wear a helmet, eye protection, protective boots, gloves and other appropriate safety gear.
  • Know your limitations. Watch your time, your fuel and your energy.
  • Take an advanced rider course that provides hands‑on training for off‑pavement and backcountry terrain.
  • Make sure your motorcycle is mechanically up to the task. Be prepared with tools, supplies, spares and a spill kit for trailside repairs.

AVOID SENSITIVE AREAS 

Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams. Stay on designated routes.

  • Other sensitive areas and habitats to avoid, unless on designated routes, include cryptobiotic soils of the desert, tundra and seasonal nesting or breeding areas.
  • Do not disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites.
  • Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance.
  • Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas. (What are Wilderness Areas?)

DO YOUR PART 

Do your part by modelling appropriate behaviour, leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species and restoring degraded areas.

  • Carry a trash bag on your motorcycle or in your luggage and pick up litter left by others.
  • Pack out what you pack in. Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites and camping 200 feet from water resources and trails.
  • Observe proper sanitary waste disposal or pack your waste out.
  • Spark arrestors are required on many public lands; make sure your exhaust system meets local requirements.
  • Prevent unnecessary noise from a poorly tuned motorcycle or from revving your engine without need. Use proper silencers that meet regulatory decibel levels.
  • Before and after a ride, wash your motorcycle and support vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.
  • Build a trail community. Get to know other types of recreationists that share your favourite roads and trails.