Item number three: Stop blaming "Bad Apples".
Whenever the topic of excessive noise or destruction comes up, ATV supporters shake their heads and say the following: "Most of the riders follow the rules, but there will always be those 'Bad Apples' who won't" That is a code phrase for me that means "Don't expect I'm going to do anything about it!"
I see variants of this technique used by motorcyclists and snowmobilers when people complain about excessive noise. "You don't understand. That noise that ruins the quiet of your camping experience (or ski trip) is not caused by the sport as a whole but only by a few bad apples"
On one level, I don't care if it is a majority, or a minority, or one damn rider with a loud system if I have to listen to it along some of the most beautiful, othewise quiet stretches of the lower Wisconsin . Or if my cross country ski trail sounds like it was situated next to a NASCAR track. Or, in the case of ATV's, if it only takes one rainy afternoon to destroy a hillside, what do I care if it was done by one ATV or 100?
But on another level, if it IS only 10 percent, why is it so hard to stop? Why do other ATV interests (and snowmobile interests) seem so passive about it? Wouldn't it be in the sport's interest to do everything it takes to keep Bad Apples off the trails?
So instead of shaking your head and decrying "the bad apples", describe the active, measurable steps your sport is taking to make sure they can't hurt the forests and those enjoying the Northwoods quietly.
No comments:
Post a Comment