Editor:
B.C. cultural identity is partially defined by freedom to roam the land.
Do you want less freedom?
The Coalition for Licensing and Regulation of Off-Road Vehicles in B.C. (established 2003) has proposed government restrict and clamp down on motorcycles, ATVs, ATC, side by sides and other machines used in the bush.
Some highlights are you must hold a valid B.C. driver’s license, carry liability insurance to operate on Crown land trails and forest roads, register for all machines including a decal or license plate for identification, restrict where and how you use your ATV, enforce new laws in the bush, plus much more.
The leads on this proposal are the Cattlemen’s Association and Grassland Preservation Society. Both would like nothing better than to stop off road vehicles everywhere.
Other supporters are along for the ride in hopes of finding compromise.
What I read is a popular recreation activity targeted for more taxes, fees and restrictions, attacking the middle class which will end up costing every taxpayer more.
Right now the cost to have fun in the bush is only the investment of the machine and some common sense with optional insurance. This is why popularity has grown to more than 200,000-plus ORVs in B.C. (Actual number unknown).
If allowed you will be forced to pay more and ride less — another freedom stomped down by special interests.
At a time of economic recovery why suck more disposable income out of our economy?
Remember the HST, gun registry and, how about boating? It cost us plenty for what.
Rest assured once legislation is enacted, not there yet January maybe, ORVs will see more future restrictions on land use.
There are other solutions that do not cost our social-economic system stress and money like this one but rather educate and train without direct cost to taxpayers.
Somewhere in this apathetic world personal responsibility has got to come back from the dead.
We are way over regulated so why create more rules and more tax?
Our cultural identity is partially defined by freedom to roam the land and it belongs to every citizen that’s why it’s called Crown Land.
Let us retain some cash and freedom.
Write your MLA and start a petition today. Say no to ORV Act.
Henry Van Soest
Intrepid ATVer
Williams Lake
