QUEEN'S PARK — The Ontario government is taking action to allow off-road vehicle riders easier access to trail networks via municipal roads.
Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney on Friday announced proposed legislation to set out specific requirements for municipalities to permit off-road vehicles on their road network.
"We know that municipalities are in the best position to decide how these types of vehicles can be safely integrated into their communities," Mulroney said.
According to the announcement, consultations about requirements will be held with industry, the off-road vehicle riding community, municipalities and enforcement services.
Off-road vehicle users would still have to meet the province's existing rider and passenger safety requirements.
Rider safety requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Must hold at least a valid G2 or M2 licence.
- Wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
- Wear a seat belt, 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 seat belts, everyone must buckle up.
- If the vehicle has passenger foot rests, the passenger must be able to reach these foot rests.
- The number of occupants is limited to the number of available seating positions.
- No passengers under the age of 8 are allowed and additional passenger restrictions apply if the driver is a young and novice driver with a minimum G2 or M2 licence.
- All riders - drivers and passengers - must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
The legislative change would allow municipalities the option of allowing the vehicles on their roadways.
Off-road vehicles will continue to be banned from provincial highways.
Arthur Ash, president of the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders, also welcomed the decision to classify off-road motorcycles as off highway vehicles.
"This will allow for great strides in tourism, economic development and recreational trail use in Ontario," he said.
The government said the changes will harmonize Ontario's approach with other provinces including Manitoba and Alberta.
The measures are part of the Ford government's Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, which passed second reading in the legislature earlier this month.
