One of the many reasons I have always wanted a dual sport bike, rather than a strictly dirt machine (although the Husaberg functions as both) is that I like to ride to and from the trails rather than the hassle of loading the bike in and out of the truck. This is really convenient if you only have a couple of hours or someone else wants to use the truck...
But now, with the recent reading of Bill 13 in BC, there is another reason. It is now going to become mandatory for all ORVs - quads and dirt bikes - to be registered and carry a license plate and possibly some liability insurance. This part is a no-brainer to me. I've seen too many yahoo's in the back country charging down single track without a thought for the environment, other users or, in some cases, themselves. Stopping for a beer break, to unleash some shotgun pellets on some unsuspecting animal, or worse, back-country user, then charging off at triple digit speeds is what gives us all a bad name in my opinion, and probably one of the few legitimate reasons the logging companies limit our access to the back country.
As for mandating the use of a helmet (and seatbelts in quads), well all I can say is "Darwin Awards" to those out there who don't use a lid.
There are some potential pitfalls though. Got a dirt bike that you bought years ago and can't find the bill of sale? Cobbled together an old banger from a bunch of dead bikes and got VIN confusion? Got a dedicated KTM motocross or trials bike - that could be classed as an excluded vehicle? Whoops. Where will the revenue go from this vast untapped source? Hmm. General Revenue or enforcement and upkeep of trails? Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations luncheon expenses? Your guess is as good as mine.
There are some potential pitfalls though. Got a dirt bike that you bought years ago and can't find the bill of sale? Cobbled together an old banger from a bunch of dead bikes and got VIN confusion? Got a dedicated KTM motocross or trials bike - that could be classed as an excluded vehicle? Whoops. Where will the revenue go from this vast untapped source? Hmm. General Revenue or enforcement and upkeep of trails? Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations luncheon expenses? Your guess is as good as mine.
Anyway, here's a couple of links to some articles out there on the new law, enforcement, fines, conservation officers' rights over you, fees, and, perhaps most troublesome for some, having the "original bill of sale" for your vehicle to prove tax was paid on it when it was originally purchased, even if you purchased it years ago.
Links:
This new legislation leaves out a big portion of the off road communities, namely our kids. How are fathers supposed to enjoy a fantastic hobby like riding off road motorcycles. Do they have to wait till their kids reach age 16 and get licenced or 19. I'm also curious what all the dealerships think of loosing that market. Not everyone can or want to spend thousands to put their kids in racing. I am in favour of enforcing safety, responsible access etc. However on Vancouver Island their are no Public Lands, which seems to remove those citizens and tax payers in opposition any voice at all.
ReplyDeleteRon King
Well said, Ron. I agree - it's very short sighted legislation which only benefits those who collect the user fees and logging companies. Lobbyists and big government wins: families first...my foot.
ReplyDelete