Green advice for drivers

Cars in Latvia are only allowed on roads. Beaches and dunes are not roads.
Park where you’re allowed to and make sure that your car isn’t hindering hikers, bicyclists, or local residents.
Better pay for a car park rather than leave your vehicle in an inappropriate or prohibited place. You’ll support the local economy, and your car will be safer.

Surely you’re not one of those people who find that a 500-metre walk to the beach is an insufferable burden!
Yes, you can see many things from your car window, but get out of the car and walk up to things that are of interest to you!
Loud music blaring from an open car window? At home, perhaps OK, but you’re not at home, and you know that not everyone shares your taste in music!
Get out of your car from time to time – bring a bike or some skis. Lease them.
Try to find routes that you can drive in some parts and hike, ride or ski in others.
Please remember that bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights as you do on the road.
If you see a biker or hiker on a gravelly country road, slow down. Only fools leave behind an impenetrable cloud of dust and little rocks and stones flying in every direction.
Don’t get too close to a biker or hiker – you’ve got the steering wheel, haven’t you?
Slow down if someone is approaching you on a gravelled road from the opposite direction. Flying stones can damage your windshield or the other person’s.
If a truck or log-carrier is approaching you on a gravelled road from the opposite direction, pull over and stop. That won’t happen often.
If you see a biker or hiker after dark, turn off your high beams. You wouldn’t like to be blinded if you were in their position.

If you see a local hitchhiker, give him or her a ride. Public transportation leaves a lot to be desired in Latvia.
Make sure that you pitch a tent and light a campfire only where you’re allowed to do so.
Take your trash with you until you can dispose of it properly.
Bring country goodies home with you – you don’t have to tote them in a backpack!