My name is Greg Gilbert , I live in Milton Vermont. I have enjoyed the sport of snowmobiling throughout Quebec continuously since 1984. For over 80,000 Quebec miles I have enjoyed the increased safety of moderate properly installed track studs. As weather patterns have changed in recent decades the presence of icy conditions is more prevalent, making my reliance on increased traction safety even more important.
The shock and immediacy of this unanticipated “Stud Ban” announcement has already had immediate and negative repercussions. The damage to the Quebec reputation will multiply daily as more become “shockingly” aware of this ill advised action. Quebec will certainly be RULED OUT by a significant number of current American Quebec riders. These are the same American Quebec riders whose positive and significant economic impact, Quebec has welcomed for 5 decades.
Americans snowmobilers who enjoy Quebec often come from regions with very icy trail conditions therefore it is very common for visitors to have these products installed on their snowmobiles. If you consider the number of companies who produce and sell trail traction products you will get an idea of how many snowmobiles are currently outfitted with studs and how many snowmobile tourist are no longer welcome to snowmobile in Quebec.
The impact of this ban not only effects the participation of stud users, it also affects the overall safety of the entire Quebec trail system. In my significant experience, studded snowmobiles are safer and operate with greater control. They turn with greater accuracy and have shorter stopping distances.
We regret the reality of increased pavement wear at trail crossings. Feel free to use our significant annual contribution to the Quebec economy to minimize this reasonable negative impact. I believe that the majority of road crossing pavement wear is due to our carbide ski runners more than our studs. Does this reality mean that you will be banning steering safety as well? After 30+ years, I personally will not further support the Quebec economy with the risk of an additional fine for the use of a reasonable safety product.
The immediacy of this policy change leaves many with no choice but to ride and spend elsewhere. This policy has not just excluded stud users, it has effectively excluded whole groups when only one group member chooses the safety of studs.
As a snowmobile journalist for a nationally respected snowmobile magazine my articles will now be focused elsewhere. I report on where I ride and my safety choices are no longer welcome in Quebec.
Without a phase in period for this pilot project, Quebec reservations are being cancelled and snowmobile destinations are being changed daily.
Please immediately reconsider the current approach to this pilot project. A much less damaging approach would be a moratorium of implementation for several seasons of additional testimony or an exemption from the law for snowmobilers who have registrations from US States or other Canadian Provinces.
Respectfully, Greg Gilbert
