NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release, August 1st, 2024
ATVBC Renews Calls for ORV Management Framework Improvements to
Support ORV Access into Rural Communities
Osoyoos, BC – For years, the Quad Riders ATV Association of British Columbia (ATVBC) has been lobbying the government to create a licensing process for Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) that would allow riders to access rural community streets and roadways from trails. This would enable riders to reach amenities like fuel, food, and accommodations, bringing economic benefits to these communities.
A recent news story about street-legal golf cart rentals rolling out on Vancouver roads for tourism purposes has heightened frustration among rural communities and ORV groups across BC. They have long advocated for similar access with little response.
“If Vancouver can find a way to allow ORV access in a busy metropolitan area to serve their tourists, why can’t rural communities have the same opportunity to allow ORV access into their communities to promote tourism and build economic opportunities?” says Chris D’Silva, President of ATVBC.
While steps have been taken in the past, such as the creation of the ORV Act and the use of MV1815 permits, more needs to be done to create a process available to all supportive communities, without the authority being held solely by the RCMP.
“All it takes is one detachment commander not in support and the program fails, even with community support. Not to mention the added administrative pressure it puts on local police when the communities could be leading this process in a more efficient manner,” says Kristin Parsons, Executive Director for ATVBC.
ATVBC continues to push for changes to the ORV Act to create a fair and equitable approach to ORV access and the addition of licensing for ORVs for travel on roadways, creating routes from trails into communities.
“Seeing government work with larger communities like Vancouver to allow for the use of ORVs for tourism further supports ATVBC’s call to the province to support rural communities for the same purpose. We need government to address our concerns with the current ORV management framework and make changes to allow for a more efficient process,” says Parsons.
In 2019, ATVBC attended the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) meetings supporting resolution B121, which proposed making it easier for local governments to issue Operation Permits for all-terrain/off-road vehicles to access rural communities. The resolution was well-supported but has not yet resulted in changes. In 2023, ATVBC attended UBCM again to lobby for B121, calling for a more manageable process for communities.
In the absence of government action, some communities have created their own bylaws to allow ORV access through designated routes. ATVBC is working with many communities to foster relationships between the RCMP, local government, community, and ORV clubs to bring local solutions. However, this approach does not address needs across the province or support inter-community travel and tourism routes like the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail or the Island 1000 Trail.
“This type of riding is a huge draw for tourists, and many communities in the United States benefit enormously from this access and collaboration. It represents ORV tourism opportunities and allows communities to address safety and accessibility concerns proactively, and there is no clear reason for the BC government not to support us in making these changes,” continues Parsons.
About Quad Riders Association of BC ATVBC
ATVBC, established in 2001, is a membership-driven organization representing over 5,000 riders across more than 45 local clubs in British Columbia (BC). The organization advocates for shared trails through responsible use, collaboration with other user groups, and volunteer contributions around the province. ATVBC works to represent and bring the voice of its members to all three levels of government to fulfill its mandate.
For more information contact:
Kristin Parsons, Executive Director
ATVBC Quad Riders Association of BC
