The Campbell River ATV Club created ride protocols for their club to use when riding as a group. Whether you are your club’s ride leader, or planning a ride with a group of friends, this is a valuable resource.

Thank you Campbell River ATV Club (Barry) for sharing the information with all ATV riders!

Read on to learn about your responsibilities as a rider, what to do if you or someone else becomes separated from your group, the Slingshot Group Ride system, and group ride protocols. Download a printable version of the Campbell River ATV Club Ride Protocols.

Before the Ride

ATVs:

  • Must carry valid plate and insurance
  • Must meet all safety and ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) specifications
  • Must conform to British Columbia Off Highway Vehicle Act definitions
  • Must meet acceptable noise levels

Riders:

  • All riders & passengers must wear helmet whenever in motion.
  • Must be 16 years of age or older with valid driver’s license or be appropriately supervised and meet the under age requirements as layed out in the BC ORV Act.
  • For formal Ride Events must attend Pre-Ride Meeting

Rider Responsibilities

  • Follow Ride Team directions
  • Know the whereabouts of the rider behind you at all times
  • At all intersections or crossings and in succession, make the correct turn or crossing and wait for the next rider to follow.  You are responsible to ensure the rider behind you makes the correct turns.
  • Assist fellow riders where and if necessary
  • Leaving the ride group is not recommended and is highly discouraged.  However – If you do decide to leave the ride group and go off on your own.  You must inform the Ride Team.  ONCE YOU LEAVE THE GROUP – YOU WILL BE ON YOUR OWN, WE WILL NOT COME LOOKING FOR YOU!
  • Please keep bikes in 4wd on trails to limit wear and tear on the trails. We have to maintain these trails!

Separated Rider Protocol

If on the off-chance you find yourself separated from the group:

  • Do not panic, keep in mind that the rider in front of you will be looking for you at the next intersection or sooner.
  • Immediately stop, turn off your machine, and listen for other riders.
  • If possible contact the ride leader or sub-group leader; radio, cell, In-Reach etc.  (It is recommended that each rider carry a communication device, a GPS, and a backup paper map.)
  • If you can.   Return to the last location where you know you were still with the group.  Wait for the group to return to find you.
  • If you feel you are lost, DON’T MOVE!  You cannot hear the searchers bikes if your machine is running. 
  • Once you return to the group.  To avoid future separation incidents – Remind the rider ahead of you that is their responsibility to ensure you make the correct turns.

During the Ride

  • Headlights must remain on at all times (makes it easier for the rider in front of you to confirm your position and assists with visibility).
  • Ride single file.
  • Stay to the right on all trails.
  • The Ride Leader will set the speed for the entire group. If you have difficulty keeping up, inform someone on the Ride Team at your first opportunity.
  • Do not pass the Ride Leader or others unless directed.
  • Do not stray behind the Sweep Rider. If you have to temporarily fall back the Sweep will stay with you.
  • Ride Leader’s schedule all breaks and lunch stops. Please wait for scheduled breaks if possible. If you must drop out of the ride, please notify a Ride Team member.
  • The rider behind you in the procession is your responsibility (know who they are and what ATV they are riding). If you lose sight of the rider behind you, slow to a stop and wait until they are in your sight. Any single stoppage will result in a full stop of the entire procession.
  • In the absence of communication between all riders, this serves as a means to keep everyone together and to alert the Ride Team to issues.
  • After crossing a difficult section (e.g. ditch, mud hole, water crossing, steep hill), ensure the rider following you makes it through. It may be necessary for you to stop and assist or for you to attract others to help.
  • Be sure to signal all turns and stops, especially if you come across a hidden or potentially dangerous obstacle.
  • Leave enough braking space between you and the rider ahead. This will vary with speed and trail conditions. Tailgating is dangerous and can be embarrassing.
  • Give right of way and show consideration to all non-motorized trail users you encounter.
  • Stop, pull over, and shut off your ATV when you approach horses.
  • Remove your helmet, allows the horse to identify you as a human.
  • Do not proceed until the horseback rider gives you a signal to proceed.
  • Do not pass or overtake a horse and rider
  • Stay on the trail at all times, unless otherwise directed by the Ride Team. Minimize your impact on the natural habitat.
  • Ride responsibly at all times. We do not ride recklessly or “hot rod”
  • We do not pass each other on the trail 
  • Want to change positions in the ride line? Do so during a trail stop/break  Want to take photos/need a nature break? Move to the side of or off the trail to allow other riders to pass unimpeded . Do NOT let the tail gunner pass you on the ride !
  • We stay on designated trails, we do not blaze off-trail putting our privilege at risk .
  • Must not trespass on private property or otherwise disrupt private landowners
  • Must avoid sensitive and restricted areas at all times, especially wetlands, lakeshores, steep stream banks and hills
  • Must not remove or unnecessarily disrupt vegetation
  • Must cross only at designated crossings or bridges when available
  • Must yield right-of-way to other trail users when approaching:
  • Pack out all your waste material
  • Must know applicable local and provincial laws
  • Must follow all warnings and stop signs
  • Keep your speed to posted limits– maximum 60 km per hour (as signed elsewhere)
  • Must operate ATV in a safe manner
  • Must refrain from excessive noise
  • Ride sign-out process – If leaving the Ride early please notify the Ride Leader and/or the Sweep Rider.