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Outlaws no more. Governments have recognized the economic and electoral clout of motorcyclists, and started to make things easier for would-be easy riders. Here's how:
They get you started
The Ontario tourism ministry partnered with travel bloggers Planet D to show you how to go from non-rider to touring motorcyclist. The middle-aged blogging couple documented how they got their motorcycle licences, learned off-road riding skills and undertook day trips around the province before tackling a seven-day ride around Lake Superior.
They provide inspiration
Provincial, regional and local governments have created a nexus of blogs and other websites to promote riding in their areas, with scouted route maps, folksy reports on local landmarks and photos that make you long for the open road. There are sites for just about every region in Ontario, but much of it is gathered together on Northern Ontario's motorcycling site.
They help plan your next ride
Ontario tourism launched the Go Tour Ontario motorcycle route planning tool in 2014 (driving routes coming soon for those who want a cage around them). It's a slick package starting with eight preplanned motorcycling routes ranging from a short day's ride to epic multiday journeys. You can take the mapped routes as recommended, complete with restaurant, motel and sightseeing stops planned out. Or choose your own stops from a recommended list and the route planner adjusts the map and adds directions from your starting point and back. When you're happy with the itinerary, send it to your Facebook account, e-mail it, print it or upload it to your GPS and take off. Or use the mobile version to plan and ride the route from your smartphone.
They expand and improve off-road riding areas
The 2014 federal budget included $10-million for the National Trails Coalition to construct new trails and the upgrade existing ones for motorized and non-motorized use alike. That's on top of $25-million in 2009-10. Those funding commitments are attracting matching dollars from provincial and regional governments, doubling the investment, which is evenly divided between snowmobile use, motorcycle/ATV riders and non-motorized trail users.
They rewrite laws that hinder riding
The Ontario government recently changed the highway traffic act so off-road motorcycles (and ATVs and side-by-sides, too) can now legally cross most highways where they bisect trails (provided the rider and vehicle are both legal). It's a small thing, and represents a recognition that off-road trail riding is a legitimate pursuit. Now the push is on to allow off-road bikes on the shoulders of most highways; something that's currently legal only for single-passenger ATVs.
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