Off-roaders in the city have gone off the rails, according to a statement from the RCMP, which claims drivers are operating their adventure vehicles unsafely.
The notice reminded riders to wear helmets and, if available, their seatbelts.
“Wearing a helmet, respecting the laws and other people are simple things that go a long way toward personal safety as well as building community,” said Cst. Chad Neustaeter.
Mounties in Fort St John also named the Solar Trail, a hiking route close to Northern Lights College, as a major source of complaints from pedestrians and surrounding homeowners – despite the city-installed sign prohibiting off-road vehicles from using the path.
“(We’re asking riders to) operate their off-road vehicles in a manner they were intended to be used, considering their own safety and wellbeing and that of pedestrians,” the RCMP wrote.
They reminded riders of the penalties for taking their vehicles in prohibited spaces – which can include a ticket from bylaw for $100.
B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act also tickets riders a minimum of $138 if they are not wearing their helmet – they ticket up to $598 for driving on roadways without insurance.
The ICBC said all off-road vehicles must be registered for a one-time fee of $48, and the insurance-provided proof of that registration must be visible to passersby. If a rider wants to take their off-roader on the roads, or highways, it must be registered and insured like any other car.
Criminal charges may be laid if a person is injured or killed because of an irresponsible off-road driver.
