WEST CARLETON – Coun. Eli El-Chantiry says his office is receiving an uptick in complaints about off-road vehicles on city trails.    

“My office has received some inquiries regarding the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-road vehicles (dirt bikes) on trails and city roads,” El-Chantiry released in a statement today (Sept. 29). “In recent weeks the Ottawa police have received numerous complaints directly from residents who are concerned with the use of ATVs and dirt bikes on trails and city roadways in Ward 5.”

El-Chantiry says the OPS have been responding to these resident concerns directly and will continue to attend locations where resident complaints are received.

“Please review the City of Ottawa’s By-law entitled All-Terrain Vehicles & Other Vehicles (By-law No. 2019-421) for more information,” El-Chantiry said. “As well click here for detailed information from the Ottawa police which includes the rules and regulations to follow as well as safety information on the use of ATVs and other off-road vehicles in the City of Ottawa.”

Please note:

• ATV and other off-road vehicles like dirt bikes are only allowed to operate on sanctioned trails and on private land when given the express permission of the property owner.
• These vehicles are prohibited from using the bicycle and pedestrian trail system as the trails are designed to be used by pedestrians, cyclists and, on occasion, snowmobiles. ATVs and dirt bikes have the potential to damage the pathways.
• The Highway Traffic Act does not permit ATVs and dirt bikes to be operated on municipal roadways.
• If crossing a municipal road on an ATV or dirt bike, the driver must be in possession of a valid G2/G driver’s licence or a M2/M motorcycle licence.
• Persons under age 12 are not permitted to operate an ATV except on the owner’s property or trails while under the close supervision of an adult
• Both the owner and operator of an ATV (or parents) are responsible for any violations of the Highway Traffic Act and are liable for any injury/property damage caused by the vehicle.
• It is always a good idea to wear a helmet when operating an ATV or off-road vehicle such as a dirt bike.