The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Vermont certification.
Riding Safely and Responsibly
Using Courteous Trail Etiquette
Ride only where permitted. - Be courteous to other riders and hikers on the trail.
- Ride on the right side of the trail.
- When riding downhill, yield to uphill traffic. Uphill traffic may have difficulty starting again after stopping.
- Announce your intention before passing.
- Slow down when someone is passing you.
- If you meet skiers, horses, or hikers on snowshoes coming from the opposite direction, slow down, pull over, and yield the right-of-way.
- If you stop to talk to others on the trail, be polite and remove your helmet. A helmet masks your features and can be intimidating.
- Be safe and considerate when you stop along the trail. Never stop side-by-side, in the middle of the trail, at the crest of a hill, or around a corner on the trail. Also, never block an intersection. Remember to shut off your engine.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- Report downed trees and trail maintenance needs to land managers.
- Report illegal riding.
- Carry out what you carry in.
Obeying All Trail and Road Restrictions
- When planning a trip, always plot your route on a map and review any travel restrictions. Travel restrictions protect natural resources and provide non-motorized recreational opportunities.
- Don’t assume a route is open because you see tracks on the trail. They may have been left by uninformed or deliberate violators.
Encountering Horses on the Trail
- Approach slowly, pull over, and turn off the engine.
- Avoid sudden movements.
- Wait until the horses have passed, and then ease back onto the trail.
