Snowmobile Safety Under Spotlight: Sault Trailblazers Address Trail Etiquette Challenges

The Sault Trailblazers Snowmobile Club is grappling with a growing concern: a surge in trail etiquette violations that threatens the accessibility of popular snowmobiling routes in Sault Ste. Marie. The issue came to a head when a landowner threatened to close a crucial city link trail due to snowmobilers repeatedly trespassing on private property.

“It seems that some local riders have a challenging time reading and understanding ‘Stay on Trail’ and ‘Private Property’ signage and think that power line corridors are public right-of-ways,” the club lamented on their Facebook page.

While the landowner agreed to keep the trail open for the remainder of the season, a stark warning has been issued: the club must take immediate action to prevent further trespassing. Fencing has been erected to restrict access, and the club has been very vocal about the seriousness of the situation. “Snowmobilers need to be aware that they are trespassing when going off trail and need to respect the adjacent residents who live next to the trail throughout the city link trail, or else, we will see an end to the trail access into the city,” emphasized the club.

The club has also been receiving complaints from residents along Robertson Lake Road regarding snowmobilers speeding on the plowed road,posing a safety risk to pedestrians and motorists alike. “While we are working at trying to get off the plowed road portion up along the snow bank, if you are using the travel portion please maintain a slow speed and be aware and respectful of the adjacent residences,” the club urged.

This plea for responsible riding extends to all plowed roads within the trail system, including Old Goulais Bay Road and Whitman Dam Road. The club underlines the importance of respecting property boundaries and adhering to trail regulations to ensure the enjoyment of all trail users and secure future access to these valuable recreational paths.

What specific steps can the Sault Trailblazers take to educate new snowmobilers about snowmobiling ethics and best practices?

Trail Trouble: A Conversation with Sault Trailblazers President Brenda Lariviere

To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Sault Trailblazers and their efforts to address them, we spoke with President Brenda Lariviere.

Archyde: Ms. Lariviere, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you elaborate on the recent trail access issues the club is facing?

Respect on Trails: A Call to Action for Snowmobilers

Snowmobiling offers a thrilling escape into the great outdoors, but recent incidents have highlighted a concerning issue: a lack of respect for trail regulations and the communities surrounding them. Brenda Lariviere, a spokesperson for a local snowmobile club, expressed deep disappointment in a recent interview. “It’s disheartening,” she stated, “We’ve had a landowner request that we close down our main city link trail as snowmobilers keep trespassing onto their property. It truly seems some riders aren’t respecting “Stay on Trail” and “Private Property” signs and believe power line corridors are public right-of-ways.”

This disrespectful behavior has forced the club to take immediate action. lariviere explained, “We promptly installed additional snow fencing to restrict access to the landowner’s property. We’ve also made a public appeal to our members to be more mindful and respectful when using the trails.” The landowner, thankfully, has agreed to keep the trail open for the remainder of the season, but the club is urging riders to change their ways to avoid losing access to this vital trail connection.

Unfortunately, trespassing is not the only concern. the club has also received complaints from residents along Robertson Lake Road regarding snowmobilers exceeding the speed limit on plowed roadways. “This creates a safety hazard for residents accessing their driveways or simply walking along the road,” Lariviere said. The club is working towards diverting traffic off the road, but simultaneously occurring, they urge all snowmobilers to slow down and be mindful of those living near the trails.

lariviere’s message to riders who disregard trail etiquette is clear and direct: “Simply put, the trails we enjoy are a privilege, not a right. We need to respect the landowners who generously allow us to ride on their property,and we need to respect the safety and peace of mind of those living near the trails. If we continue to disregard these basic principles,we risk losing access to these valuable recreational pathways for generations to come.”

Respectful snowmobiling is not just about following rules; it’s about sharing the trails responsibly and ensuring the continued enjoyment of this beloved activity for all. It is a privilege that we must protect by always practicing courtesy, vigilance, and respect for both the surroundings and the communities we ride through.

* What are some other ways that snowmobile clubs can work together with local communities to promote safe and responsible riding practices?

Trail trouble: A conversation with Sault Trailblazers President Brenda Lariviere

To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Sault Trailblazers and their efforts to address them, we spoke with President Brenda Lariviere.

Archyde: Ms. Lariviere, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you elaborate on the recent trail access issues the club is facing?

Brenda Lariviere: Certainly. We’ve been grappling with a concerning increase in trail etiquette violations. It seems some riders aren’t respecting posted signs, venturing onto private property, and speeding on plowed roads. this behavior isn’t just disruptive, it puts our trail access at risk.

Archyde: You mentioned a landowner threatening to close a crucial city link trail.Can you tell us more about that situation?

Brenda Lariviere: Yes, a landowner along a city link trail contacted us expressing their frustration with repeated trespassing. Apparently, some riders seem to think power line corridors are public right-of-ways, regardless of the clear signage. It’s disheartening because this landowner has generously allowed us to use their property for trail access for years.

Archyde: How has the club responded to these incidents?

Brenda Lariviere: We’ve had to act swiftly. we installed additional fencing to restrict access to the landowner’s property and have made public appeals to our members to be more mindful. Thankfully, the landowner has agreed to keep the trail open for now, but this incident is a wake-up call.

Archyde: What message are you hoping to get across to snowmobilers?

Brenda Lariviere: We want to emphasize that snowmobiling is a privilege, not a right. We need to be respectful of landowners, their property, and the communities surrounding our trails. Ignoring trail etiquette and safety regulations not only puts ourselves at risk but also threatens our access to these beloved recreational spaces.

Archyde: What specific steps can the Sault Trailblazers take to educate new snowmobilers about snowmobiling ethics and best practices?

Brenda Lariviere: We’re exploring several options. Hosting mandatory safety briefings for new members, partnering with local schools to teach trail etiquette, and even offering online courses are all on the table. We believe proactive education is key to ensuring responsible and respectful snowmobiling for years to come.

What are some other ways that snowmobile clubs can work together with local communities to promote safe and responsible riding practices?