I have concerns regarding barricades on trails throughout the province. Lands and Forestry has set a width of 66 inches to be consistent through the province as a distance for barricades to be set. This is set at 66” to allow up to a 60” Off Highway Vehicle through which allows three inches on either side of the OHV. 

My concern, however, is with this width being too small to fit the majority of newer side by side’s. In our area, the most common width of side by side we see is at least 64” wide. For a true 64” machine to fit through these current barricades, this obviously only leaves one inch on either side which is not ideal. Because of this, there is a lot of damage being done to machines and barricades.

What I am hoping for is the width of these barricades be set to a minimum of 70”. This would allow three inches on either side of a 64” machine. This would also still not allow the most narrow of vehicles through, which is the ultimate goal.

Another issue with the current width is safety regarding fire and accidents. In many locations across the province, this width does not allow for many fire department UTV’s or other apperatus to pass through. I have had first hand experience with this and know we aren’t the only ones.

As someone who has grown up riding ATV’s, not being able to ride in my county due to barricades on the rail-bed is both frustrating and disappointing. My 64” machine is not absurdly large, however I cannot ride on the trails closest to my home.

I am hopeful that we can enact this change allowing the rail-bed to become even safer, more inclusive, and more consistent throughout our province.