Ontario to allow off-road vehicles on roads

Minister of Transportation and MPP the Hon. Caroline Mulroney was in Bradford on Friday morning at Edge Performance to announce the government’s plan to make it easier for off-road vehicles (ORV) to connect to trails and municipal roads throughout the province.

“We know that municipalities are in the best position to decide how these types of off-road vehicles can be safely integrated into their communities,” she said.

“This is another example of how our government wants to get out of the way and support local decision making to further encourage tourism and economic prosperity.”

The proposed measures would loosen the red tape, supporting more Ontario businesses with the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, which was announced on Oct. 28.

This will allow off-road vehicle riders more access to the trail networks, and to surrounding communities, businesses and attractions.

“It’s a popular recreational activity that brings all kinds of riders, from locals to tourists alike to communities like Bradford here today,” said Mulroney. “It’s an opportunity to get out and enjoy the hundreds of kilometres of trails through what is some of Ontario’s most beautiful country,” said Mulroney.

President of the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR), Art Ash noted that ATV riders have already benefited from the use of using municipal roadways, and said he is happy to extend this to the off-road motorcycle community.

“What it will do is draw tourism to areas such as Simcoe County,” he said. “Because there’s a huge amazing network of trails in Simcoe County and is probably one of the best partners we have as far as building trails and supporting various sports.”

He noted the many local businesses along Horseshoe Valley Road, like ice cream shops and restaurants, that would benefit by allowing riders to drive and stop while travelling.

“The OFTR believes that safe responsible use of the roads in Ontario will make the trail networks in Ontario an incredible experience for all riders.”

The new plan would benefit other local businesses like Craig Steyn, owner of Edge Performance, a recreational vehicle dealership that sells and services Polaris and Kawasaki off-road vehicles.

“We are excited to see the Ford government reducing the red tape,”said Steyn.

“This has the ability to increase our consumer base and supports Edge Performance’s belief to get outside and ride.”

If passed, the Ministry of Transportation would set out specific requirements in the regulations for a municipality to permit ORVs on their roads.

“They would see us like a normal motorcycle,” explained Ash. “And we would have the same laws applied to us like an ATV.”

Riders would need to meet the following safety requirements before being permitted onto the roads:

Be at least 16 years of age

Must hold a valid G2 or M2 license

Wear a seatbelt, where provided

Travel at speeds less than the posted speed limit

Carry the ATV/ORV’s registration permit

Passenger safety requirements:

If the vehicle was manufactured with seat belts, everyone must buckle up

If the vehicle has passenger footrests, the passenger must be able to reach these footrests

The number of occupants is limited to the number of available seating positions

No passengers under the age of eight are allowed and additional passenger restrictions apply if the driver is a young and novice diver with a minimum G2 or M2 license

All riders, drivers and passengers must wear an approved motorcycle helmet

The rules would apply to municipal roads only, and not provincial highways.

Mulroney closed with a note stating the government will be looking for feedback from industry and enforcement on how best to integrate this plan into local communities throughout the province.

The legislation is before the house and will need to pass regulations to prescribe which vehicles municipalities will be able to allow onto their roads.

“I hope to be able to share more good news in the future. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to great things to come.”