More trails would combat problem drivers says P.E.I. ATV Federation

The ATV federation says more trails are what's needed to help with problem riders, but that will require more government involvement.

Recently, RCMP have been cracking down in the Tignish area writing tickets and seizing some vehicles but last week theyhad more trouble people were refusing to pull over and taunting officers.

The P.E.I. ATV Federation says this latest report from police only drives homes their point there needs to be more trails to ride on.

The organization has been busy working with landowners to create new trails but president Paul Wilbert said western P.E.I. is a special case.

"It's very wet and swampy....we have to pick and choose where the trails can go," saidWilbert.

"It is extremely difficult and that's one of the reasons why we're seeing more issues up west, because they can't ride into those woods, it's swamp and bikes and water don't mix."

Wants ATV-friendly legislation

Wilbertsaid hewould like to see legislation loosened to allow the vehicles to ride on some secondary roads along with clay and dirt roads where less vehicles travel. He added he also wishes there could be some leniencyto allow ATVs into communities for a small period of time to reach amenities.

"It's actually happening all over the country, other communities are supporting it. Sussex New Brunswick, Bathurst, they've changed their bylaws because they know ATVs bring a lot of money to the rural economics," he said.

"So we have to change, yes some riding mentalities on the Island and we have to change government legislation also if these bikes are going to spend money in the community we need to have a trail system in the community that will allow bikers to leave the trails, slip into a gas station or restaurant get what they need and go back on the trail."

Chair of the Municipality of TignishAllanMcInnisagreed. He saidthere could be room for some changes to help with the problem, and more ATVs could lead to better tourism in the area too.

Does get complaints

But he shares the RCMPs frustrations. McInnis said he gets a lot of complaints about younger drivers on the roads not obeying the rules, and feels it's up to parents to step in.

"I hope that this would be an educational factor to the parents to let them know that there is some younger kids that are on the road," he said.

"Maybe the parents don't even know that they're on the roads, they promised their parents that they'd go back in the fields and in the woods and stuff but their sneaking out on the road with the rest of their friends."

As for education, McInnis said he is trying to plan another community meeting with RCMP to better educate drivers and parents aboutthe road rules.

McInnisadded heis also encouraging people in the area to call the RCMP and give specific information like a description of the ATV or helmet to help police identify problem drivers.

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