The Ontario Provincial Police in Essex County reports an increase in complaints about damage on roads, trails and private property, and it blames off-road vehicle drivers.
The OPP reminds riders to first check with their municipality where off-road vehicles are allowed. Secondly, police say they should stay off the Chrysler Canada Greenway, the County-Wide Active Transportation System, and decommissioned rail lines. Motorized vehicles are prohibited there.
All-terrain vehicles, including dirt bikes, are prohibited in municipal and town parks, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and beaches.
Unless the rider has consent from a private property owner, they are not allowed there either.
Police plan to patrol areas where the complaints are coming from and violators will be charged if they are breaking the law.
All riders must be at least 16 and have a valid G2 or M2 license. Children between eight and 12-years can only operate an all-terrain vehicle on private land and only under supervision. Motorcycle helmets are mandatory.
Speed limits are different for all-terrain vehicles. On roads where it is 50 km/h or less, it's 20 km/h for an ATV. On roads with a greater speed limit, it's 50 km/h.
Unsure what the rules are in Ontario? The OPP suggests accessing the handbook online.
