New York State Snowmobile Trail Signing Handbook - 1

Introduction
Snowmobilers travel beyond their local trail
systems more frequently now than ever before.
When snowmobiling on unfamiliar trails a rider's
enjoyment and safety are greatly enhanced by
uniform trail markings, detailed information signage,
and careful identification of potential hazards. Few
experiences in snowmobiling rival the unpleasant
feeling of being lost, hungry and low on fuel somewhere
along a poorly signed trail system.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation,
and Historic Preservation (Parks) has compiled this
handbook that provides guidelines for the effective
placement of signs on snowmobile trails. The trail
sign process is intended to improve snowmobile
safety and enhance snowmobile trails in a safe and
cost effective manner.
Posting trail signs will help to safely regulate
the flow of snowmobile traffic, inform riders of
particular trail characteristics, and provide information
necessary for the enjoyment of the trail riding
experience. This handbook will serve as a valuable
resource to snowmobile club members, particularly
those charged with the responsibility for trail signing,
as well as those riding on the trails.
The guidelines are consistent with the International
Association of Snowmobile Administrators
(IASA) standards regarding color, size, shape and
reflectorization. The handbook will also promote
statewide uniformity of snowmobile trail signing by
providing basic guidelines and techniques for posting
standardized trail signs uniformly throughout an
unfamiliar trail.
The signing guidelines provided by this handbook
should not be construed as minimizing an
operator's responsibility. Operating a snowmobile
in an observant, reasonable, and prudent manner is
the responsibility of all snowmobilers. Rather, these
guidelines will compliment safe riding practices for
the betterment of snowmobiling.
Prior to installing signage on state land, the trail
sponsor should meet with a representative of the
respective state landowner to ensure compliance
with state land manager policies and procedures.
Signs and Safe Snowmobiling
New York State law directs the Office of Parks,
Recreation, and Historic Preservation to ensure the
proper and safe use and operation of snowmobiles.
In order to meet this legislative directive, the office
has developed a system of trail markers and signs.
The purpose of using trail signs is to direct the flow
of snowmobile traffic, inform snowmobilers of trail
characteristics, and provide information neces- sary
to fully enjoy the trail riding experience.
The guidance provided to snowmobilers by
trail signs should not be construed as reducing the
snowmobiler's responsibility to operate their ma1
chines
in a safe and prudent manner. Riders should
ride on the right side of the trail at all times.
Trail signs and markers are essentially safety
tools. Use them with care and caution to make
snowmobiling in New York State enjoyable and
more fulfilling. However, snowmobilers should be
aware that signage can be affected by sign theft,
vandalism and weather related events. Never assume
that every object is properly identified with a
sign. Civil or criminal liability can result if snowmobilers
operate with willful disregard for such signs, and
cause property damage, injury, or death.
New York State Snowmobile Trail Signing Handbook

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of New York State Snowmobile Trail Signing Handbook
