References:
Brochure: Tread Lightly's Tips for Responsible ATV Riding

Brochure: Right Rider

Brochure: Tread Lightly's Tips for Kids - Dune Riding

Little Gem 2004


ISSA State Ride 2004


Use a spark arrester


Wear a helmet

TIPS for Safety, Responsibility and Equipment

Ride Safe: Seven Tips for a Safe OHV Experience

1. Always ride in control.
Ride within your abilities and your machine's capabilities. Never attempt anything that is beyond your skill level.

2. Always wear the appropriate safety gear.
At a minimum, this should include a helmet, shatter resistant eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover the ankle.

3. Only carry passengers if your OHV is specifically designed to do so.
ATVs and off-road motorcycles are generally designed to carry only one rider. Carrying passengers can alter the balance of the machine, causing a loss of control.

4. Riders under the age of 16 should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

5. Riders should be able to straddle the machine with a slight bend to the knees while both feet are on the footrests. Riding a machine that is too big is a major cause of injuries to young riders.

6. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Provide them with a map of your intended riding area.

7. Be prepared for any emergency.
Always carry a tool kit and spare parts, a first aid kit, and survival equipment when you ride. Carry plenty of extra food, water and fuel.

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Ride Right: Seven Tips for Riding Responsibly on Public Lands

1. Stay on established trails. Don’t ride cross-country.
Cross-country travel can increase soil erosion, ignite wildfire, spread noxious weeds and damage wildlife habitat.

2. Respect closed areas and private property.
The future for OHV access is in your hands.

3. Avoid wet areas and waterways.
They are a vital resource for plants and animals.

4. Don’t cut switchbacks
Taking shortcuts damages trails and causes erosion.

5. Share the trails and make friends with other trail users.
Stop or slow down and lower the noise and dust levels when approaching equestrians, hikers and others.

6. View animals from a distance.
When they flee they use valuable energy reserves.

7. Respect seasonal closures.
Animals need places where they can survive the winter, reproduce, and raise their young undisturbed.

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Maintain Your Equipment and Pack the Right Gear

1. Always use a spark arrester.
It doesn’t sacrifice power, but it can save the forest and rangelands from fires.

2. Maintain your exhaust system and know the sound limits where you ride.
Remember, noise doesn’t equal horsepower. Too little exhaust back-pressure can actually cause less power and engine damage.

3. Carry a small fire extinguisher or shovel.
Be prepared. Accidents happen, and fires are easiest to put out when they’re small.

4. Wear your helmet.
It not only can save your life, but it can double as a bucket to help douse an accidental ignition.

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