To draw attention to public safety and the unauthorised driving of vehicles through forests, SIA “Rīgas meži” and the Road Traffic Safety Council are launching the information campaign “Leave No Scars in the Forest”, which continues the initiative “Negāz mežā, gāz trasē” begun last year. The aim of the campaign is to build public understanding of the safety of all forest visitors, the protection of forest ecosystems and the need to preserve them, as well as to promote a responsible motorcycling culture, particularly in forest areas adjoining the city.

The campaign is aimed at educating the public about the damage to forest ground cover and habitats caused by driving motor vehicles outside designated areas. It stresses that unauthorised off-road driving places a significant strain on forest ground cover, increases the risk of fire, causes the degradation of species habitats, contributes to soil erosion and threatens biodiversity.

The campaign also draws attention to riders’ personal safety, as unapproved routes may include unsafe zones, hidden obstacles or areas at risk of fire.

As part of the solution, it is worth recalling the two official enduro trails created by “Rīgas meži”:

a 12 km trail at the “333” sports complex in Ropaži municipality;

a trail of more than 16 km near Jaunmārupe (part of the trail is impassable in wet weather).

These trails offer the chance to go motorcycling in conditions suited to the environment, without damaging high-value forest ecosystems. At the same time, “Rīgas meži” continues to build a dialogue with off-road driving enthusiasts and service providers, offering the use of areas that can be adapted for controlled and legal off-road riding.

The campaign’s content will consist of informative video material and appeals on digital platforms, aimed at fostering a respectful attitude towards nature and encouraging shared responsibility, while also prompting people to plan their routes in line with the rules in force on the movement of vehicles in forest areas.

Scars in the forest remain for years

Every unauthorised tyre track in the forest is not merely visual damage – it is a physical intervention in the ecosystem whose degrading effects remain for years. It means disrupted animal migration routes, damaged soil layers, destroyed habitats and frightened birds. The forest is a resource, an asset and an environment that serves society. That is why “Rīgas meži” urges everyone to choose routes that are lawful and considerate of both other forest visitors and the environment, so that recreational opportunities are balanced with nature conservation.

The campaign is being carried out with funding from the Road Traffic Safety Council, in cooperation with representatives of the enduro community and opinion leaders. It is founded on cooperation, respect and sustainability – values that “Rīgas meži” puts into practice in its everyday work.