According to the agreement signed between the associations, quad riders who are members of a club of the Fédération québécoise de Clubs Quad can continue to travel in the ZECs of Quebec on the interconnected trails that cross these territories.
The objectives of this agreement are to ensure adequate signage and maintenance of the quad trails passing through the ZECs and to ensure the registration of quad riders who are members of the FQCQ and cross a ZEC on a dedicated quad trail.
“We have renewed this agreement with the ZECs, which gives us the right of way for transit over already identified roads to be able to reach our hiking trails,” explains the president of the FQCQ, Réjean Blouin.
“Most ZECs have joined the agreement. If it is ZEC that maintains the trail, we pay the same amount that we give to member clubs for maintaining the trail. If this is not the case, we will pay them 25% of the grant amount we provide.
“This makes up for the lack of rights of way they lose by not charging money to our members. »
CONDITIONS TO BE RESPECTED
This means that a quad rider who has a right of way from the association will not have to pay anything to pass through the territory of the ZECs that have accepted the agreement, provided he remains on the route designated as Transit Québec.
“The quad driver must respect the ZEC regulations. If admission is required, this must take place before passing. There are no fees as we pay a flat fee. »
The President also wanted to point out that a ZEC that prohibits passage during elk hunting season must be respected.
“This must be done, just as quad bike riders are not allowed to use the trails while hunting in game reserves. But if ZECs allow the use of off-road vehicles during hunting, they cannot restrict ours. This way people can enjoy the fall colors. »
COMPULSORY RIGHT OF PASSAGE
To drive on an interconnected route, the quad driver must always have the right of way. Unless he has the right of way from the ZEC.
“If he doesn’t have the necessary vignette, he can’t use the hiking trails,” says the president. However, if a quad rider wants to travel within ZEC territory, he or she can contact the reception and obtain a travel permit.
“We, our member quad riders, only travel through the ZEC area. People who receive a driving license in the ZEC can use our routes in compliance with mountain bike legislation. »
Remember that in the hunting right that a user pays to his ZEC, a mountain bike will be registered if it is present.
The ZECs do not own the areas they occupy. You have to maintain it at all levels.
“They don’t get $100,000 grants for maintenance. They need to look for other sources of income, such as selling mountain bike riding licenses. The renewal of this agreement clearly demonstrates the desire of the two associations to provide all our members and users with quality service and access to public spaces in a safe environment for all,” said the President.
“For this agreement to remain valid, users must respect its terms and we count on the people who benefit from it to act accordingly,” he concludes.
PAID RENEWAL
The new agreement is valid for a period of five years, from April 15th to November 30th of each year. FQCQ members are only allowed to travel freely on special quad routes.
You only have a few days left to benefit from the discounted purchase of your annual access right. It will cost $349.75 through November 15th, instead of $379.75 from that date.
Not only do you have the advantage of the reduced price, but by purchasing early you also contribute to the financing of the clubs that maintain the cross-country ski trail network. They still need the money they receive for trail maintenance. A good portion of the amount you pay goes directly to the clubs. You can purchase your right of access by visiting the Federation website at fqcq.qc.ca
