Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Recreational Activities

Motorcycle, ATV and 4X4 Safety

Where Will You Ride?
Choose well your places to ride. Before you go out, check on available trails, their condition, ownership of land, posted areas and regulations that apply. Ask about barriers such as fences, rivers, cliffs or swamps; where rivers can be crossed and routes around swamps and cliffs. Get maps and learn how to use them. Power lines, strip mines, old railroad rights-of-way, logging roads are possible places to ride. Forest or park rangers, sheriffs' offices, sportsman clubs, other trail users and 4-wheelers are good sources of information.

The Forest Service also offers "Travel Plan" maps that show where you can ride on National Forests.

Check Your Equiqment
Make sure your machine is right for the terrain and conditions. Do you have the right tires? Is your exhaust system adequate? If riding in a forested area, do you have an approved spark arrestor? Take along tools and spare parts for minor repairs. Motorcyclists should have sparkplugs, control cables, chain master-links, and a tire repair kit. Four-wheelers will want sparkplugs, gas, oil, radiator water, jack, tire repair kit, hoses, belts and cable clamps for their winches.

Check Your Clothing
Choose clothing for safety and comfort. Motorcyclists should have sturdy, but comfortable boots, goggles, gloves and, of course, a good quality helmet. Other protective clothing should be appropriate to weather and provide protection against brush and possible spills. Four-wheelers should dress for the weather and carry foul weather gear plus sturdy leather gloves, and of course, a helmet and goggles.

Be Prepared for Emergencies
Emergencies don't always happen to the other person. Having spare parts, tools and adequate protective clothing will help, but, for safety's sake, take a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, drinking water, flashlight, matches, blankets and flares.

When You Ride
Let your passing be as unnoticeable as possible. Follow all regulations. Stay on roads and trails designed for such use. If you are not sure if you are allowed on a trail, stay off until you do know for sure. Avoid cutting across switchbacks or through mountain meadows. Don't spin wheels unnecessarily. Avoid driving in streams or on steep hills with loose soil. Don't harass livestock or wildlife. Leave natural and historical features as you find them.

Haul It In - Haul It Out!
Littering the landscape where you ride invites land and trail closures. If you haul it in, you can haul it out. Go one step further and haul out what less thoughtful persons have left behind.

Be Courteous and Considerate
At times, you will share the same space with hikers, horseback riders, hunters, fisherman and others who enjoy the outdoors. Courtesy and consideration will make the sharing more tolerable for all. Respect the land and the rights of others. Be sure your machine is as quiet as you can make it. Nobody likes a loud machine. Leave fences and gates as you find them. Assist others who need help. Courtesy is catching. Pass it on.

Let Someone Know
Riding with a friend or friends adds to the enjoyment and makes good sense from a safety standpoint. Whether riding with someone or not, always let someone else know where you are going and when you expect to return. If headed for backcountry, leave your trip plan with someone who can take action if you don't return as planned - for instance, a forest or park ranger, a sheriff's office or a local 4-wheel drive or trail bike club.

BE CAREFUL AND HAVE FUN!

USDA Forest Service - Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 25 September 2007 at 15:07:40 EDT