The Tread Pledge for Kids
(For Download Only)

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Lightfoot™
Wants You to Follow the TREAD Pledge

Travel on trails or legal riding areas

• Keep your feet and wheels on open roads, trails or in legal riding areas.
• Ask your parents before crossing and/or playing in streams and rivers.
• When you step off trail to search for campsites, fishing holes or a nice spot to rest, watch your step and don’t trample plants.
• Remember riding up and down stream can damage soils, plants and animals in the water.
• Use maps and signs to help you stay on the trail.
• Walk or ride slowly through puddles and mud on the trail—not around.
• When you are on a bike or an ATV if you can’t go over an object, turn back. Report the trail obstacle to the ranger.
• Keep control of your bike, dirt bike or ATV.

Respect Animals, Plants, and People

• Don’t chase, scare, feed or try to pet animals.
• Don’t carve tree bark or draw graffiti on trees and rocks.
• Watch out for other people on the trails.
• Keep the noise down, especially in camp.
• Don’t shine your flashlight into other camps.
• Don’t ride or run through other camps.

Every Time You Go Outdoors: Think Safety, Bring A Friend, And Be Prepared

• Always tell an adult where you are going, who you are with, and when you will be back.
• An adult should be with you when riding ATVs or dirt bikes and when traveling in the backcountry.
• Remember to pack the seven essential items: water, food, first aid kit, raincoat or poncho, flashlight, sunscreen and a whistle.
• When trail riding or hiking, don’t leave the trail—you are less likely to get lost and much easier to find. If you think you are lost, stay where you are and blow your whistle.
• Don’t wander off at night.
• Bring a map, check the weather, and find out about wildlife to be aware of in your area.
• Bring the proper clothes including good shoes and a jacket—wear a helmet and other protective gear when you ride.

Always Leave the Outdoors Better than you Found It

• Don’t litter or leave food or trash behind.
• Pick up trash left by others—as long as it is safe.
• Wash your bike or ATV and other gear after every ride so you won’t spread weed seeds.
• Leave plants or flowers for others see.
• Lend a hand, plant trees and other plants with your local ranger.
• Clean up after your pets.
• Convince others to keep the land and water clean.

Discover How Fun the Outdoors Can be When you Tread Lightly!

• Keep your parents and rangers happy—follow all the rules.
• Remember the great outdoors is home to Lightfoot and his friends—treat it with care.
• You will have more fun if you take care of the outdoors.
• Make the right choice—if you do something wrong others might follow and make more damage.

Please email feedback@treadlightly.org for questions or comments about this article.