Hello all, I’ve been trying to determine the legality of riding a licensed blue-plate DS on a beach. Simply put, I’d like to ride “Concession A” to where it ends at a beach, turn right and ride the along the shore, then turn right again to ride “Concession B” away from the beach. I know there are many factors, and potentially Environmentally Sensitive areas, but generally speaking, I can’t find anything in MTO Highway Traffic Act (obviously beaches aren’t highways) regarding this specific land use. Anybody have some knowledge/experience or insight in this matter?
Do you know who "owns" or maintains the beach? As far as I know most waterfront originally had a 60 foot right of way from the high water mark. Typically in more built up areas the right of way has been purchased or grandfathered in the past. If it's an unmaintained and uninhabited stretch I wouldn't hesitate especially if there are no signs.
Thanks @dean.f for your perspective. I had no idea what to think, and could clearly see both sides of the legal/illegal arguement. I knew of the “waterfront right of way” as an anti-drowning law, my dad taught me that as a young fellow, just wasn’t sure how much it could be exploited....err, leveraged. And to answer your questions, I don’t exactly know who owns what, I don’t even have a set location in mind. I intend to bring a lunch in my backpack, ride till I’m hungry, picnic, and carry on. But it’s comforting knowing (or assuming) that I can picnic on the beach without having to carry my stuff and trudge through the sand in my gear. Previously (in my trucks) I’ve setup my picnic somewhere along Lake Huron, after following my nose westward for a couple hours. Hate to say I didnt even drop a pin on the map once I landed. Quick lunch, a swim, dry in the sun, and head home in an east-ish pattern. I have always left the truck at the end of the road, as I feel a truck is more invasive on the beach, as well as way more likely to become a semi-permanent fixture should things go wrong.
