Enjoy summer, responsibly

It's that time of year again. The hats and mitts have been traded for sunscreen, vacation plans are underway and students are counting down the days before school ends for the summer.

Another telltale sign of the changing season - the buzzing of blackflies and mosquitoes is drowned out at times by the buzzing of dirt bikes and ATVs.

Like the biting insects, the numbers of these recreational vehicles likely haven't decreased from last year, but hopefully the numbers of complaints about their use will.

Each season, it seems that police and community officials plead for cooperation from users, and, in some cases, the parents of those users. Officials and officers say they are not out to stop the proper use and enjoyment of these machines, but must take steps to maintain safety and order.

They're right.

People's right to enjoy recreational vehicles shouldn't come at the expense of other people's enjoyment of the summer season. Roaring through residential neighbourhoods, especially late at night, or racing through populated areas where children play, such as MacDougall's, are good ways to get people mad.

Users doing those types of disrespectful, unsafe activities should expect consequences.

But it's not just up to the police to provide those consequences. The RCMP members can't be everywhere at all times. Parents have a responsibility to ensure under-age riders are supervised. Community members have a duty to help police identify problem riders.

We don't want a few bad apples to spoil the barrel of summer fun that many people across the southwest coast enjoy. The area offers plenty of good places to go for a ride that won't get anyone upset.

Common sense and respect for others will go along way to ensuring a safe and peaceful recreational vehicle season.

Happy trails.

Natalie Musseau