Federation News Volume 5, Issue 9

Transcription

1 New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation Federation News Volume 5, Issue 9 September 2010 September 2010 was a Provincial Election Month in NB The New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation has been busy making all candidates in the September 27, 2010 Provincial Election aware of ATV issues in New Brunswick. The following is a summary of the 5-pronged approach the Federation has undertaken to make candidates and fellow citizens aware of its concerns. Inside this issue: Prong #1: President s Letter to All Candidates Provincial Election 2-3 Health Benefit of ATV 4 We are seeking your assistance for the advancement of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) activities in the province. Could we receive your views on various ATV issues by completing the attached questionnaire before September 3, 2010? The rest of the letter could be browsed in our August 2010 Newsletter. Various Meetings 5-6 Questionnaire to all Candidates Candidates for the September 27, 2010 Provincial Election were asked about their position on various ATV-related issues, if elected as an MLA. The entire questionnaire was published in our August 2010 Newsletter. NBATVF Executive Members: President - Daniel Boucher Vice-President - Herman Berry Secretary - Marc Haché Treasurer - Paul Branscombe General Manager - Jacques Poirier Prong # 2: Local Meetings with Candidates Our 58 local ATV Clubs were encouraged to hold local meetings with their candidates, in order to discuss their concerns and issues. Prong # 3: YouTube Video The Federation posted French and English videos on YouTube. Again, these videos were addressed to candidates, and summarized ATV concerns in the province. The videos were also posted on the Federation s website. NBATVF Office 1925 Hanwell Road, Unit C Hanwell, New Brunswick E3C 1M4 Phone: (506) or (506) or Fax: (506) nbatving@nb.aibn.com Communications Coordinator: Jacques Nadeau YouTube: English: French: NBATVF Website English: French: Viewing New Brunswick from the Inside

2 Page 2 Prong # 4: Bilingual Lawn Signs Four different bilingual lawn signs, summarizing top ATV-related issues were placed throughout the province to attract the candidates attention. The issues on the signs were: 1. ATV enthusiasts want authorized and developed trails to practice their sport; 3. ATV enthusiasts want legal access to services; and 2. ATV enthusiasts want support in the infrastructures; 4. ATV enthusiasts want financial support to develop a Provincial Network Prong # 5: News Releases To round out the Federation s efforts during the Provincial election, four (4) news releases on ATV issues were forwarded to provincial news media as well as the candidates, over the final two weeks of the provincial election campaign. They follow: News Release # 1 - The New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation Seeks the Candidates Views Fredericton, NB (September 13, 2010) The New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation wants to know what the candidates in the upcoming Provincial Election think on ATV related issues. In August a questionnaire was sent to all candidates asking them 10 questions on key ATV issues. In the letter accompanying the questionnaire, Federation President Daniel Boucher indicated that We are seeking your assistance for the advancement of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) activities in the province. According to Boucher The NBATVF is a Federation of 58 clubs across the province with over 9,000 members. What is important for our present and future members are: 1. Safe and legally approved places to ride their ATVs; 2. Trail infrastructures; and, 3. Access to services. We need the support of all candidates for: 1. Access to some public lands (Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources) 2. Access to financial assistance to complete a Provincial ATV Trail Network and safe ATV trails for recreational purposes for youth under 14 years. 3. Legislative changes to: a. Allow use of public roads to join the ATV trails and access to services such as gasoline, food and lodging; and, b. Make the ATV trail permit mandatory.

3 Page 3 News Release # 2: Candidates Support Needed to Increase Economic Benefit of the Sport Fredericton, NB (September 15, 2010) With the support of all candidates for the upcoming provincial election, the New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation will be able to grow the ATV sport into a significant economic contributor for local communities and the province. Federation President Daniel Boucher commented that, A 2005 study showed that the direct economic impact of ATVing in New Brunswick was in the order of 50 Million dollars. Boucher added that This shows our potential, even before we have built our provincial network of trails! This is without ATV riding being a formally-recognized tourism product. Can you imagine the economic benefits a completed and safe provincial network of trail would bring to New Brunswick? You do the math! challenged Boucher. News Release # 3: Attention All Candidates: ATV Riders Seek Legal Access Fredericton, NB (September 20, 2010) The New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation is seeking the support of all candidates for the upcoming provincial election to ensure all ATV Riders have legal access to services. Federation President Daniel Boucher indicated that We need legislation that would allow ATV riders to legally connect between trails by using sections of public roads where there is no other legal alternative. We also need legislation protection to similarly access travel services such as: hotels, service stations and restaurants. News Release # 4: Calling All Candidates to Facilitate Financial Support for ATV Trail Network Fredericton, NB (September 22, 2010) The New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation is calling upon all candidates in the upcoming provincial election to help them with the funding needed to complete a safe Provincial ATV Trail Network, including safe ATV trails for youth under 14 years. Federation President Daniel Boucher is adamant about the advantages of the ATVing sport. He stated that, ATV activities provide quality outdoor recreational opportunities for the enthusiast body and mind. In addition they offer an outstanding tourist product with significant economic benefits for local communities and the province. Your Federation is Proud of its Pre-election Strategy The Federation trusts that this multi-pronged approach has served to reach candidates and fellow citizens in all areas of the province. This Election has provided a wonderful opportunity to educate all New Brunswickers on the beautiful prospect of safely Viewing New Brunswick from the Inside! HUP Approved for United ATV Club The Department of Transportations approved a Highway Usage Permit (HUP) for one day on August 21, 2010 for the United ATV Club for their Amazing Race event. The Club with the support of the Federation received a special permission to travel on small sections of public road to connect between trails during their event.

4 Page 4 ATV Riding is Good for the Body and Mind Health Benefit Fact Sheet: Study conducted by York University Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, Faculty of Health, and supported by the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council, the All Terrain Quad Council of Canada, The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia A ground breaking, first ever comprehensive probe of the fitness and health benefits of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-road motorcycle (ORM) recreational riding. The national study expanded on an Ontario pilot study of the health benefits of offroad motorcycle (ORM) riding. Jamie F. Burr, Veronica K. Jamnik, Jim A. Shaw and Professor Norman Gledhill at York University's Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, Faculty of Health agreed to conduct the study and for Jamie Burr, a kinesiologist and exercise physiologist at York, the research would be part of his PhD. The purpose of the research -- to characterize the physiological demands of recreational ORV riding under typical ORV riding conditions using habitual recreation off-road vehicle riders. The study was approved by the university's human research ethics review board, and in accord with research ethics guidelines, written and informed consent was provided by all participants, with those younger than 18 yr also providing parental consent after verbal explanation of procedures. This published report (July 2010 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), "Physiological Demands of Off-Road Vehicle Riding") on one component of the research focuses specifically on the physiological demands of off-road vehicle (ORV) riding, compares them to the demands of other recreational activities, and explores the health and fitness benefits that ORV participation can provide to Canadians. Subsequent publications will examine the fitness and health of habitual recreational off-road riders; their own health perceptions, lifestyle behaviours and quality of life; and fitness and health training adaptations from six to eight weeks of ORV riding (i.e. how much ORV riding is required for health and fitness benefits to be derived). Study began in 2007 with a nationwide survey involving 310 participants to determine the characteristics of a "typical" rider and of a "typical" ride (Phase I). This information was then used as the basis to determine the health and fitness impacts of off-road riding (Phase II). Phase II involved 128 riders - male and female divided between the age groups of 16-29, and 50+. Riders were first familiarized with the trail for safety reasons. All riders used their own riding gear and vehicles to avoid the necessity of having to adjust to new equipment. Riders wore specially designed helmets and equipment that allowed researchers to monitor and measure the physical demands of off-road riding (heart rate, oxygen consumption, muscular involvement (fatigue), and rate of exertion). Off-road vehicle riding was found to require "a true physiological demand that would be expected to have a beneficial effect on health and fitness according to Canada's current physical activity recommendations." Off-road vehicle riding was determined to be a recreational activity associated with moderate-intensity cardiovascular demand and fatigue-inducing muscular strength challenges, similar to other self-paced recreational sports such as golf, rockclimbing and alpine skiing. Oxygen consumption, which is an indicator of physical work, increased by 3.5 and 6 times the resting values for ATV and ORM riding respectively - which falls within moderate intensity activity according to the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines and is in line with Canadian physical activity recommendations. The duration of a typical ride (2-3 hours for ATV, 1-2 hours for ORM) and the frequency of the rides (1-2 times a week) create sufficient opportunity to stimulate changes in aerobic fitness which falls within the physical activity guidelines (American College of Sports Medicine recommends between MET minutes per week). "More health and fitness benefits could likely be realized if the frequency of riding were increased to a level compatible with the recommended Canadian guideline for physical activity."

5 Page 5 ATV Riding is Good for the Body and Mind...continued Using heart rate measurements alone, the demands of riding belong to the category of "hard" exercise - this increase of intensity may be linked to heightened psycho emotional responses (i.e. adrenalin), an effect of heat stress while riding, or a response to repeated isometric squeezing of the handlebars. When considering muscular force and power involvement, study results indicate a greater impact on muscular endurance as opposed to an increase in strength (NB: this is in reference to hand grip specifically). "Off-road vehicle riders perform considerable physical work using their arms and upper body." This upper body strength requirement "could lead to beneficial training increases in musculoskeletal fitness." Study findings also picked up on the psycho-social effects of riding - the "enhanced quality of life and stress reduction effects of off-road riding." Findings also reflect the "importance of alternative physical activity such as off-road riding to promote physical activity in a group who might otherwise forego exercise altogether" (habitual ATV riders in the study were not avid exercisers) and all physical activity is beneficial. Meeting with DNR On August 12, 2010, Federation President Daniel Boucher and Trail Coordinator Ben Cyr attended a meeting in Fredericton with representatives from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues related to the joint-use trail section for 16 km on an abandoned rail line in Le Goulet in the Acadian Peninsula. Also in attendance were representatives of the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, the New Brunswick Trail Council Inc., and the Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement Unit. Trail Management Strategy Working Group Meeting On August 24, 2010, Federation Trail Coordinator Ben Cyr attended a meeting in Fredericton of the Trail Management Strategy Working Group. The meeting was part of a series to continue discussion on various component of the Provincial Trail Master Plan for the province. MADD Canada's annual Project Red Ribbon Campaign Preparation is now beginning for MADD Canada's annual Project Red Ribbon Campaign. MADD stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Project Red Ribbon kicks off on November 1, 2010 and will run through to February The goal of this campaign is to distribute red ribbons and encourage people to tie the ribbon to their vehicle in remembrance of victims of impaired driving and to remind everyone to not drink and drive. MADD would be pleased to provide our ATV Clubs with Red Ribbons to distribute to their members. Additionally they have ATV targeted posters that they would also be happy to provide. There is no cost for these materials; however they do encourage clubs to make donations to their local chapters if they feel so inclined. MADD's main goal is to increase awareness of drivers of recreational vehicles of the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. If any of our clubs would like to receive materials, please contact MADD office in your area at: or Atlantic Region, , atlantic@madd.ca

6 Page 6 First International OHV Conference with the United States and Canada From August 24 to 30, 2010, Federation President Daniel Boucher and General Manager Jacques Poirier traveled to Great Falls, Montana for the 1st International Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) conference. The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) in the United States and the Canadian All Terrain Quad Council of Canada (AQCC) held their annual meetings at the same location. Participants from the two organizations benefited with the sharing of information and exchanging ideas. Among the topics discussed at the AQCC was the need for the Canadian ATV/Quad Provincial organizations to become financially self-sufficient and the continuing financial support required from the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV). Daniel Boucher Elected Vice President of AQCC Federation President Daniel Boucher was elected Vice President of the All-Terrain Quad Council of Canada (AQCC) at the organization s annual meeting in August The President of AQCC is Danny Gagnon from Quebec. The idea of a National ATV/Quad Association was born at the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), National Conference in 2001 called "a meeting of the minds". In October 2006, AQCC was incorporated. The members are representatives from the Provincial ATV/Quad Organizations. Daniel was also appointed Chairperson of the AQCC Safety Committee. Congratulations Daniel! Meeting at Base Gagetown On September 3, 2010, Federation President Daniel Boucher and General Manager Jacques Poirier met with Lieutenant- Colonel Alain Carrier at CF Base Gagetown. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues with ATV riders using the CFB property without authorization thereby placing themselves in dangerous situations. Federation representatives agreed to better inform the ATV community through our newsletter. Region 2 Meeting On September 2, 2010, Federation President Daniel Boucher, General Manager Jacques Poirier, Trail Coordinator Ben Cyr and Region 2 Director Albert Lafrance attended a meeting of Region 2 in Tide Head. Region 2 candidates for the September 27, 2010 provincial election were invited to the meeting to discuss ATV-related issues identified in the questionnaire sent to them a few weeks prior. No candidates attended the meeting. Participants at the meeting did discuss, however, the issues in the questionnaire and agreed to talk to their candidates about them. President of Route 101 ATV Club Resigned Donald Beers, President of Route 101 ATV Club resigned. The Vice-President Wayne Perry will be acting President until the next election Moncton Atlantic Motorcycle & ATV Show February 11 to 13, 2011