With the warm season drawing riders to Manitoba's backcountry, the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Manitoba (ATVMB) is stepping up efforts to improve outdoor experiences for everyone. From advocating for clubs to launching new tech tools, the association is a vital force behind responsible ATV use in the province.
"Our vision is to provide Manitobans and off-road vehicle riders access to a trail system that is safe, sustainable, and environmentally conscious," says Gary Hora, president of ATVMB.
Acting as a provincial liaison, ATVMB connects 10 affiliated ATV clubs with the Manitoba government, working collaboratively to develop and maintain designated trail systems. "Government prefers to deal with one association rather than multiple individual clubs," Hora explains. "We are the go-between."
Promoting safety and education
The association places a strong emphasis on safety and rider education. With a notable surge in new ATV users post-COVID, Hora says many people have found themselves underprepared for the realities of trail riding. "We want to promote safety for all riders, especially youth. We don't want to see accidents or fatalities."
To address these concerns, ATVMB is collaborating with Manitoba Safety Services on two new training initiatives: one focused on ATVs, and another for side-by-sides and larger offroad vehicles. The goal is to help riders understand both their equipment and the terrain.
"Safe trails are also essential," Hora adds. "They matter for insurance, rider confidence and overall safety for all user groups. Our clubs are dedicated to identifying and addressing hazards to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors."
Building trail awareness and etiquette
Trail etiquette is another priority. As trail systems are shared with hikers, cyclists, and other users, Hora stresses the importance of co-existing respectfully. "We all need to co-mingle in the same forest," he says. "It's about understanding that we're not the only ones out there."
Community engagement and stewardship
ATVMB is also encouraging more community engagement by raising awareness about local ATV clubs and the volunteers who maintain the trails. "Many people don't even know there's a club in their area," Hora notes. "These are great people working hard to keep trails in good shape. We want to be good stewards of the land."
Introducing the MapGears app
One of ATVMB's most exciting developments is the launch of a new mapping app developed in partnership with MapGears. Inspired by the popular Polaris Ride Command system, the ATVMB app gives riders access to live trail conditions, hazard alerts, and even safety tracking features.
"The clubs can input everything happening on their trails – closures, conditions, hazards," Hora explains. Riders can overlay maps with satellite imagery, track their routes, and share real-time locations with family members for added peace of mind. "It has a lot of safety elements and we're adding more features as we go."
As trail season gets underway, Hora encourages all riders to download the app and connect with their local clubs. "We're really excited about what this offers for both safety and community connection."
For more information about ATVMB and their work, visit atvmb.ca or follow along through their affiliated clubs across the province.
