TREAD Lightly: Respect the Rights of Others

In partnership with Tread Lightly! and Arizona State Parks and Trails, the Arizona Office of Tourism is sharing how you can responsibly enjoy the outdoors while visiting Arizona's vast and diverse outdoor environments by off-highway vehicle (OHV). In this series, we break down each of the T.R.E.A.D principles.

R - Respect the Right of Others

When you hit the trails on an off-highway vehcile (OHV), it's important to be considerate and respectful of others who are also enjoying the trail. Here are some tips to consider while you're out enjoying nature.

• Leave gates as you find them.
• Be considerate of others on the road or trail.  Learn the basics of trail etiquette.
• If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
• Yield the right of way to those passing you or traveling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers and horses.
• Do not idly ride around in camping, picnicking, trailhead and residential areas.
• Keep speeds low around crowds and in camping areas.
• Keep the noise and dust down.
• Proceed with caution around pack animals. Sudden, unfamiliar activity may spook animals, possibly causing injury to animals, handlers, and others on the trail.
• When encountering horses on the trail, move to the side of the trail, stop, remove your helmet and speak. You want the horse to know you are human. Ask the rider the best way to proceed.

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About Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly! is a non-profit organization that leads a national initiative to promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors. Their goal is to balance the off-road and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users’ need for adventure with the need to conserve the places where they ride and explore.

To support this, they offer a wide range of projects, programs, trainings, and educational materials to promote a responsible outdoor recreation message. Their work includes educating off-road and OHV users on responsible riding practices, reducing the impact on the environment and protecting natural and cultural resources.

Header image credit: An Pham