Contrary to
what is believed to be true, The Polaris
Razor is NOT legal on ATV tails:
"FSH 2309.18 -
TRAILS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK CHAPTER - ZERO CODE (WO Interim Directive Effective
11/28/2006) 05 - Definitions
5. All-Terrain
Vehicle (ATV). A type of off-highway vehicle that travels on three or
more low-pressure tires; has handle bar steering; is less than or equal to 50
inches in width; and has a seat designed to be straddled by the operator."
In addition,
each Unit or Forest may have an order, such as ours here on the Central Zone of
the IPNF which goes on to define ATV's as "A motorized, recreation vehicle
with two or more tires, under 1,000 pounds and less than 50 inches in width,
travelling on low pressure tires, less that (5) pounds per square inch,
AND DESIGNED TO BE
RIDDEN BY ONE PERSON."
Everyone seems
to be focused on the 50 inch width, but a critical safety aspect in the ATV
Trail design is an ability to shift body weight from one side to another,
similar to riding a snowmobile. We have constructed two ATV trails here on the
Central Zone which traverse sections of steep sidehill, contain narrow creek
fords and have switchback's, all of which require the skilled ATV operator to
shift weight in order to navigate safely. The Razor, with steering wheel and
side by side seating does not allow for this shifting of weight! If we begin to
allow for these, we need to change our ATV trail designs. I spoke with our
Northern Region Patrol Captain regarding this issue and learned that the
Clearwater is following the same guidelines as the IPNF, and that FS Law
Enforcement also views the Razor as unsafe for trails designed specifically
ATV's . I agree that our old logging roads turned into trails are not a real
concern, but our newly constructed ATV trails were designed according to manual
direction with a much narrower tread and turning radius on switchback's. They
assume the ability for the ATV user to shift weight.
Andy Boggs
Recreation
Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District
208-769-3038