California State Parks Promotes Safe and Responsible Recreation During Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Week Nov. 14-22
During OHV Safety Week, free safety classes for all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles and motorcycles will be offered at several state vehicular recreation areas. Photo from California State Parks.
What you need to know: FREE off-highway vehicle (OHV) safety classes and events will be offered throughout the state during OHV Safety Week, Nov. 14-22.
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks will be offering 17 OHV safety courses and events during the fifth annual OHV Safety Week (Nov. 14-22). Off-road enthusiasts can learn about the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division’s “Ride to Ride Again” OHV Safety Week theme, which emphasizes the importance of riding responsibly and respectfully. Visitors can also participate in hands-on safety activity events during the week at several state vehicular recreation areas (SVRA).
“California’s state vehicular recreation areas offer some of the most spectacular and diverse riding terrains in the world,” said Jack Gorman, OHMVR Division assistant chief. “But it’s important that visitors understand the risks and know how to ride and drive responsibly. During the week, we want to remind all riders that the best day on the trails is a safe day. That’s why we’ve partnered with the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association to make training free for all California residents.”
Key Safety Tips
In collaboration with RideOHV.com, State Parks reminds all riders of the importance of responsible recreation. Following a few key safe practices helps ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy these great experiences.
- Get trained: Take advantage of free online all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and side-by-side safety training, then sign up for hands-on training to build skills and ride with confidence.
- Wear the right protective gear: Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet and appropriate protective gear every time you ride. In a side-by-side, always wear your seat belt.
- Ride and drive responsibly: Stay on designated trails and riding areas, follow posted signs, travel at a safe speed and help protect the trails for the future.
- Choose age-appropriate vehicles: ATVs are not one-size-fits-all, and young riders should ride on models designed for their age and size. With side-by-sides, drivers must be 16 years or older with a valid driver’s license.
- Keep off-road vehicles off paved roads: ATVs and side-by-sides are designed for off-road use only.
Everyone on the trail has a responsibility to contribute to a safer, more informed off-highway recreation community.
Throughout OHV Safety Week, free ATV, side-by-side and motorcycle safety classes will be offered statewide in collaboration with RideOHV.com. California’s SVRAs will offer OHV safety-focused programming, such as junior ranger programs, informational pop-ups and a poker ride. The week will culminate by celebrating Ocotillo Wells SVRA’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Prairie City SVRA will host the “Ride to Ride Again” Poker Run, which includes educational stops to instruct riders about the aspects of pre- and post-mechanical inspections and other safety principles. Riders can score points for prizes and will receive a commemorative patch at the end of the run. A free RIDE Day event at the Honda Rider Education Center in Colton, Nov. 21 and 22, providing an opportunity for new users to experience ATVs or side-by-sides with a training demo. Vehicles, riding gear and coaches are provided at no cost. Information about the event is also available at RideOHV.com. For further information about these and other scheduled events and free safety classes during OHV Safety Week, visit the OHMVR Division website or RideOHV.com.
For additional resources on OHV safety or to find a SVRA near you, visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.
About the OHMVR Division
California’s OHMVR Division was created in 1971 out of the critical need to better manage the growing demands for OHV recreation, while fostering respect for private property rights and protecting the state’s natural and cultural resources. Today, there are nine SVRAs across California: Carnegie, Clay Pit, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch, Heber Dunes, Hollister Hills, Hungry Valley, Oceano Dunes, Ocotillo Wells and Prairie City. The OHMVR program also supports safe and responsible OHV recreation beyond the state park system. Since 1971, more than $884 million in grants, managed by the OHMVR Division, have been awarded to federal and local partners, funding acquisition and development, resource protection, safety and education, and law enforcement for OHV recreation. For more information about the OHMVR Division, including grant opportunities, please visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.
In October 2020, the California OHMVR Commission passed a resolution dedicating one week of the year to promote and focus on safe and responsible OHV practices.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.