It's International Snowmobile Safety Week.

Part of safety week (Jan. 11-17) is the Safe Riders You make snowmobiling safe' campaign initiated in 1995 by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO). This year, the local Klondike Snowmobile Association (KSA) decided to increase exposure by taking local media out on the Trans-Canada Trail.

'We also promoted safety week in snowmobiling magazines, on websites, and by taking out ads in the paper,' said Pete Greenlaw, vice-president of CCSO and KSA president, in an interview Monday. 'We wanted to do something different this year.'

Greenlaw said he's received a lot of positive feedback on this year's campaign.

'I think we'd do it again,' he said of taking reporters out on the trail.

'People don't realize what's out there for (snowmobiling) trails, or what's involved in maintaining them. The more we can get the Trans-Canada Trail exposed, the better.'

The KSA builds and maintains the trail, which means it's also responsible for buying liability insurance and keeping the trails safe. Insurance costs $10,000 every year, which the KSA pays for by fundraising. The association had a complete safety trailer done in the spring, which it used to sell raffle tickets at events.

The trailer is also used to teach riders about safety and the Trans-Canada Trail. The first thing is don't drink and ride.

'Another important thing is to keep your machine mechanically sound,' said Greenlaw. 'Always check it. Tell somebody where you're going and when you're going to come back. Preferably, always travel with somebody and not alone.

'Wear a helmet. Always. If riding at night, slow down. Expect the unexpected. We live in a wilderness area.

'Stay on the trail. Eighty per cent of snowmobile accidents occur off the trail. Dog teams are welcome. Power yields for paws. It only takes a few seconds to pull over and let the dogs go by. It's not a big inconvenience.'

Greenlaw estimates the Safe Riders logo, which is also posted on trails, is recognized by 80 per cent of snowmobilers.

With all of the safety concerns and insurance costs, maintaining the Trans-Canada can be tiring.

'It's a huge undertaking,' said Greenlaw. 'Sometimes you wonder whether it's worth it. But to get people out and maintain the outdoors, that's what it's all about.

'Too often parents and kids are separated, but snowmobiling is an ideal way to get people out as a family unit. It makes you feel good to see people out enjoying themselves.'

That's why Greenlaw is increasingly concerned about the new bylaw currently before Whitehorse city council. The off-road motorized vehiclebylaw proposes a merger of the all-terrain vehicle bylaw and the snowmobile bylaw, and a snowmobile would basically be treated like a car.

Youth under the age of 16 would not be allowed to ride their own snowmobile anywhere, even under parental supervision. The new bylaw would require a driver's license and insurance.

Greenlaw said he completely understands youth needing a license and insurance to drive on a highway or road.

'But a youth under 16 should be allowed to drive a sled, if it is insured and registered, on a trail if under the supervision of their parents,' he said. 'They allow it in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. If they can do it there, I just don't see why not here.

'People live in the Yukon for the northern lifestyle. It's not in our best interest to take that away.'

Greenlaw said the little snowmobiles for kids five or six years old will pretty much be outlawed under the new bylaw. He said that's not right.

'If mom and dad want to take a six-year-old out behind the house, they should be allowed,' he said.

Greenlaw would at least like to see the bylaw allow youth 12 and over to ride their own snowmobile.

He also said if Whitehorse and the entire Yukon are going to get serious about attracting winter tourists, the city needs to take a look at the Motor Vehicles Act.

There are 760,000 snowmobilers registered in Canada. Greenlaw estimated about 2,500 snowmobiles are being used in the Yukon, with hundreds more either stored in sheds or seeing limited use.