Safety & Sustainability

The RCATV is committed to helping ensure the safety of our riders and the sustainability of our fields and forests.

  • REMEMBER THE BASICS
  • Always ride sober
  • Take an ATV/ORV safety course
  • Stay in control - ride within your abilities
  • Ride in designated areas only
  • Keep noise levels low
  • Do a pre-ride safety inspection

Ready to RideON

 An interactive online program designed for 12 to 15-year-olds in Ontario, or for new riders. 

Smart Ride, Safe Ride

Tips and advice from the government of Ontario.

what3words

Use the app to find and share exact locations.

Municipal Bylaws

Make sure you know the laws that govern off-road vehicles in our region.

Provincial Regulations

Resources from the OFATV.

Trails are a wonderful way to spend an enjoyable day, relaxing and taking in the sights. You will see some spectacular scenery and natural areas as you travel the trails. Renfrew County ATV Club considers ourselves to be stewards of the land we use. We promote safe and responsible riding on designated trails and believe that education and awareness will further protect the natural environment. Observing these few guidelines of trail etiquette will help ensure everyone’s outing will be fun, safe and you will help preserve trails for future generations.

  1. Stay on the designated trails! Some areas have Zare sensitive plants and small animals that can be easily damaged or destroyed. Don’t make new trails or use unmarked (unsigned) trails.
  2. Respect the Ontario Trails Council statement: ‘Shared use trail – expect/respect other users.’ Yield right of way to other trail users who are approaching or passing. Be certain to communicate in advance with riders of horses, dog teams and those walking pets.
  3. When riding in a group, use a finger numbering system to let approaching users know how many ATV’s are still behind you.
  4. ALL USERS to slow to a walking speed when meeting up with other USERS; be prepared to stop.
  5. Remove your helmet when talking to other trail users.
  6. Do not utilize CLOSED trails. ‘If you don’t know, don’t go!’
  7. Some trails are on private land and leased trails and require purchased trail passes or you will be trespassing. Trail pass information is available at renfrewcountyatv.ca
  8. Respect neighbouring landowners by staying off private trails and property. Avoid excessive noise. Keep your speed and engine rpm low and steady when approaching other riders, homes, etc.
  9. Leave the trail as you found it; whatever you pack in, pack out.
  10. Avoid sensitive and restricted areas at all times, especially wetlands, lakeshores, steep stream banks and hills. Avoid running over young trees and shrubs, particularly in the spring and the growing season of the summer. Leave the wildflowers and wildlife for others to enjoy.
  11. Cross roads and waterways at designated crossings and utilize bridges when available.
  12. Slow down when your vision of the trail is restricted.
  13. Avoid sudden stops and starts and quick directional changes with acceleration.
  14. Adjust riding behavior according to season, trail condition and location.
  15. Take a rider safety course and ride within your abilities.
  16. The ATV designated trail season begins and ends with the advent of winter and the appearance of snowmobile groomers. At no time should ATV’s with or without tracks be on groomed OFSC trails.
  17. Avoid riding after heavy rains and respect MNR dry-out periods on crown land and trails until May 1.
  18. Comply with all applicable legislation and/or municipal bylaws.
Report a hazard

Have you found a hazard on one of our trails? REPORT IT

View Waiver

As trail users, ATV/ORV Riders have a responsibility, and opportunity, to be stewards of our forests and fields.

You can support RCATV’s environmental mission  by reporting and stopping the spreading of invasive species, and by learning about at-risk species.

Here’s what you need to know:

Keep your machine clean

Be sure to follow the RCATV Clean Equipment Protocol before hitting the trails.

Learn about invasive and at-risk species

Invasive Species Act

Includes illustrations.

Species at Risk Guide

From Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.

Report rare species (animals and plants)

Government of Ontario

Species identification apps

Report invasive species

With the EDDmaps online tool.