Rules & ethics

Code of conduct

Trails don’t close because of vehicles. They close because of behaviour, two Valley trails are already gone for exactly that reason.

The club’s four rules

These are OVJA’s actual rules, as written by the admin. There are four of them and no more.

1
Respect everyone’s privacy
Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.
2
No gatekeeping
3
No promotions or spam
No promoting social media pages, asking for follows, or spamming sale ads. Posting of not-for-profit events and fundraisers are welcome.
4
For sale ads must be clear and concise
Photos must be clear and advertised with price.

Tread Lightly!, T.R.E.A.D.

T Travel Responsibly

Stay on designated roads, trails and areas. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trail. Cross streams only at designated fords. When possible, avoid wet, muddy trails.

R Respect the Rights of Others

Private property owners, other trail users, campers and neighbours. Leave gates as you found them. Yield to those passing you or travelling uphill.

E Educate Yourself

Get travel maps and regulations from public agencies before you go. Plan the trip, take skills training, know how to operate your equipment safely.

A Avoid Sensitive Areas

Meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams. Wet soils damage easily. Riding streambeds causes erosion and habitat destruction. Don’t disturb historical or archaeological sites.

D Do Your Part

Model appropriate behaviour, leave the area better than you found it, dispose of waste properly, minimise the use of fire, avoid spreading invasive species and repair degraded areas.

Principles per Tread Lightly! Tread Lightly!^® is a registered trademark of Tread Lightly! Inc.

Trail practice

Not club policy. This is the common Ontario club standard, offered as guidance. OVJA has not adopted a formal on-trail rule set, its rules are the four above.

Seatbelts on, always, including in the back and at 4 km/h.
One spotter. If you are not the spotter, you are a spectator standing somewhere safe.
Nobody passes the lead, nobody drops the sweep. Keep the vehicle behind you in your mirror.
Stay on the trail surface. No hunting for obstacles off-trail, this is the fastest way to lose a route.
Pack out everything, including broken shackles, snapped strap ends and someone else’s garbage.
Leave gates as you found them. Open stays open, closed stays closed.
Family friendly. Kids come on plenty of runs, behave and talk accordingly.