OFTR Membership Required to Ride in Limerick Forest

POSTED | April 24, 2018 - Chris Davis

OFTR Membership Required to Ride in Limerick ForestWarning - this news article expired on 2018-10-24. Information may no longer be accurate or applicable

The United Counties of Leeds & Grenville (UCLG), owner of the Limerick Forest, has agreed to work with organizations representing off road motorcycles and all terrain vehicles on the implementation of a two year pilot program for the development, use, and management of trails in Limerick Forest. The BMA, supported by the OFTR, and the Johnstown ATV Club, supported by the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicles (OFATV), are actively working with the Forest Manager to implement the program for the 2017 and 2018 riding seasons.

The end result will be that off-road motorcyclists riding in Limerick Forest this year will require an OFTR membership in addition to being quiet, licensed, and insured. The new requirement for OFTR club membership will position the BMA to more actively manage and maintain (and possibly expand) the single track trail system in Limerick Forest for the benefit of all riders.

Background

The BMA is an Eastern Ontario based trail riding club with members from Western Quebec and Eastern Ontario from Kingston to Ottawa to Pembroke. Riding areas include Limerick Forest, Larose Forest, and the Calabogie Highlands.

The BMA (and former members of the Leeds & Grenville Trail Riders) developed the single track trail network in Limerick Forest over the past several decades.

The BMA secured, during the past 8 years, well over $250,000 in grants for trail development and maintenance in Limerick and Larose Forests. The latter also included funding for the construction of the Limerick Forest Interpretive Centre.

The BMA maintains the Limerick Forest single track trail network in close co-ordination with the UCLG Forest Manager.

The BMA promotes safe and environmentally sound trail riding through adherence to a Riders Code of Conduct and we advocate that all riders meet Ontario's legal requirements such as vehicle registration and insurance. We also believe in quiet motorcycles. Less sound = more ground.

The BMA/OFTR is recognized by the UCLG as the responsible voice for off road motorcycles in Limerick Forest.

The BMA purchases liability insurance which helps reduce the liability on the UCLG.

The BMA allocates yearly funds for trail development and maintenance in Limerick Forest.

The BMA and OFTR advocate with municipal, county and provincial governments for trail access and development.

Riding areas need responsible management and oversight to ensure continued access. The OFTR membership requirement in Limerick Forest ensures that the off road motorcycle community speaks with one voice. The OFTR/BMA membership fees help pay for trail maintenance and development, insurance, and advocacy.

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