Trail usage and helmets

[Teddy Lancaster <Teddy@runningbear.com>]

Talk about ridiculous....it seems that even the US Forest Srervice is NOT exempt from
being sued for negligence,,,that is, when they charge for an event or for the USE of
trails.  That means, MY Nat'l Forest that I ride in which is charging (now for the first
time on a trial basis) users fees for horseback riding can be SUED for negligence, i.e.
NOT maintaining trails and causing an accident.

It also seem that YOU AND I are NOT allowed to cut down trees that block a trail with a
chainsaw...that is, unless we first take a course THEY offer on safety.  The way around
it is stupidly simple...tell them you are cutting firewood. THAT does NOT require any
special course.  So, cut down the trees on your trail for firewood and leave it!!!!

It is also VERY true that many rangers make their own rules.  Unless they are challenged,
the rules they make stand.  So far the US Forest Service has NO rule on horseback riders
wearing helmets.

If you don't agree with what is happening in YOUR US Forest Service district..go above
them.  Chances are, they made their OWN rules and if you have a good case, you may win
after all.

Teddy (who learned this at the Trails Symposium in SC)


Truman Prevatt wrote:

> No one is calling for a rule, but I think it is only a matter of time
> until ride managers are putting themselves at risk in this suit happy
> society.  The benifits of helmets are well documented and by not
> requiring them, ride managers may be putting themselves at risk if it
> goes to a jury.
>
> In 96 when I was working with the state forest service to get permits
> for a ride. The head ranger asked about helmets. I told him it was not
> an AERC rule - except for Jr riders.  He said that in all other "special
> event" activites, bike races, dirt bike races, etc. run on forest
> grounds, helmets are required.
> I talked him out of requiring it for all riders since helmets were
> required for
> Jr riders.
>
> I think it is just a matter of time until helmets may be required on
> public lands.  If there was a ride that used any of my private land, I
> would require ride management to require helmets helmets.
>
> Truman
>
> Joe Long wrote:
> >
> > On Sat, 21 Nov 1998 10:47:23 EST, Thiessej@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > >It was said that we didn't have to compete if we choose not to wear a helmet
> > >that's pretty much the same thing.     People do do not have to make decisions for
> > >me . The beauty of endurance is that it is a sport where a person do things
> > >the way one chooses and not have to dress and act like the show ring people
> > >and yet the small minded thinking is still there.
> >
> > One more time, neither Susan nor I are calling for an AERC rule
> > requiring helmets.  If you wish to tempt fate that is your choice.
> >
> >
> --
> Truman Prevatt
> Mystic “The Horse from Hell” Storm
> Rocket a.k.a. Mr. Misty
> Jordy a.k.a. Bridger (when he is good)
> Danson Flame - hey dad I'm well now and ready to go!
>
> Brooksville, FL