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The term "all-terrain vehicle" is used in a general sense to describe any of a number of small open motorized buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use. However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines an ATV as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, and with handlebars for steering control. By the ANSI definition, it is intended for use by a single operator. The 4-wheeled versions are most commonly called "quads," "four-wheelers" or "ATVs" in the United States and Canada, and "quad bikes" or "quad cycles" in other English-speaking countries. Models with 3 wheels are typically known as ATCs (though this is a Honda trademark[1]) and "three-wheelers," and less commonly "all-terrain cycles" and "trikes." 6- and 8-wheel models exist for specialized applications. The rider sits on these models just like on a motorcycle, but the extra wheels make them more stable at slow speeds. ATVs can also be considered Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) or Off Road Vehicles (ORV), along with motorcycles, Jeeps and other off-road capable machines.

Land Usage

Some ATV riders knowingly cross privately owned property in rural areas and travel over public/private properties where their use is explicitly limited to trails. Subsequently, environmentalists criticize ATV riding as a sport for excessive use in areas environmental movement-friendly biologists consider to be sensitive, especially wetlands and sand dunes. While the deep treads on some ATV tires are effective for navigating rocky, muddy, and root covered terrain, these treads also dig channels that may drain boggy areas, increase sedimentation in streams at crossings and damage groomed snowmobile trails. Studies have also shown that ATVs may help in the spread of invasive species such as knapweed. Despite some limited studies showing the impacts of unregulated ORV use, the vast majority of ORV use on public lands is regulated. Moreover, running counter to the popular misconception that ATV and ORV use is a leading cause of damage to the landscape and sensitive habitats in general, the overwhelming evidence of human growth patterns upon the landscape indicates damage to the sensitive habitats are caused by unmitigated growth of single-family housing planning and extractive industries.

To address these land usage concerns, ATV advocacy groups have been organized to purchase property and/or obtain permission of landowners, build and maintain trails suitable for ATV riding and educate ATV riders about responsible riding. Many states have also formed separate governing bodies that license ATVs separately than other ORVs. The monies from these registrations are used to secure trails to ride and perform grooming and maintenance.

Unfortunately, the image of the great majority of responsible riders is often tainted by the actions of some who ride off designated trails, on private land without permission, and under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, self-regulation has proven particularly difficult considering that the main public complaint against ATVs is excessive noise. Although the majority of ATVs comply with noise regulations, there are those whose intentional violation can disturb the activities of other recreational users for miles across open landscapes. Tampering with an ATVs exhaust silencer and spark arrestor is illegal on all federal lands and most state lands, however enforcement is spotty. It is also possible to install aftermarket exhaust systems that do not have spark arrestors.

Fellow outdoor recreationists who have expressed concern about irresponsible ATV use include snowmobile users who resent improper use of exclusive snowmobile trails, ATV trail riders whose trails have been damaged by improper use and hunters whose game has been driven off by those riding during prime hunting times.

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