A.T.V. (All terrains vehicules): 

Motorcycles appeared in the 30’s. During the WWII the motorcycle was used in the European battlefields to deliver important messages from one battalion to another. Those who transported messages were know as dispatchers. After the WWII, the motorcycle underwent major transformations, from a military vehicle to a recreational vehicle. In the 60’s and 70’s, motocross and mini-trails made their appearance. They were used to roam the forests. The mini-trails were in direct relation to the ATV four wheeler we know today, more so than the motocross. Equipped with 50 to 70cc motors, the mini-trails of the 70 had made a lot of campers and chalet owners very happy. 

Near the end of the 70’s beginning of the 80’s, Honda presented on the market the famous 3 wheeler that was popular as well as dangerous up till 1985. Following the mid 80’s, the first 4 wheeler was introduced to the market and changed the way of traveling in the woods. The first 4 wheeler had a 2 wheel-drive. A few years later the first ATV, 4 wheel-drives appeared and have since revolutionized the 4 wheeler. Today the quad sport is as popular, if not more so, than the snowmobile. Because of their adaptability to all seasons, their strength, performance, with their manageability and reliability, the quad sport is constantly growing with the increasing number of people joining every year.  

The quad clubs made their appearance in the early 90’s. They have their own trails and are opened year round and it is in groups that those adept in this sport tour Quebec. I bought my first ATV in 1987. During this time at Manouane Lake, I was the only one who owned this type of vehicle. I must emphasis that I do not ride for the pleasure of riding and I am not a member of any quad club, I use my ATV for practical uses, only because it costs less that using my truck. Often weeks pass without using my ATV when in the woods, preferring to either walk or bicycle.  

In the mid 90’s, with the development of new roads and with the increasing number of chalet owners and campers, crossing Manouane Lake region, quad clubs transited to a number of outfitters. Even more than damaging the dirt roads, the ATV’s are also noisy and pollutant. From the road that runs by my chalet, on long weekends, like St-Jean Baptist or Canada Day, we can see and hear for hours, 30, 50 and up to 100 ATVs pass near my chalet. 

 It’s expensive just to spend a peaceful weekend in the forest and without hearing ATVs that are not only noisy and pollutant, but also swirls a ton of dust. It would be the same if I camped on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal.  

The ATVs are also responsible, in part, for the near-extinction of certain animal species on the territory because of the noise. The circulation of vehicles (all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, motor-boats) in the forest is destructive to the environment. The outfitters pocket enormous profits because of these All Terrain Vehicles and who do not help any of the cabin owner’s, with the repairs or maintenance of the forest roads, ruined by these ATV’s. And it’s all for profit and regional tourist development.  

The companies, who fabricate these four wheelers, should make them less performing, less pollutant and less noisy. In my opinion, these companies should follow example of the utilitarian vehicle like the RTV 900R Kubota which is less pollutant and much less noisy and besides that they’re great all year round.  Also the outfitters and Quad clubs should pay a special tax in order to help the cabin owners maintain the forest roads. 

I don’t consider being a member of an ATV quad club and riding through forest a sport. It goes against the conservation of the ecosystems and environmental protection.