Several state vehicular recreation areas will be offering free ATV, ROV, and motorcycle safety classes during Fall Safety Week. Photo from California State Parks.
California State Parks invites all off-roading enthusiasts – experienced and new – to participate in the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division’s OHV Safety Week from Nov. 15 to 23. This year’s theme, “Ride to Ride Again,” emphasizes the importance of responsible and respectful riding so all riders can safely enjoy California’s diverse off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails – not only today but also tomorrow and in the future.
“We encourage all riders to participate in OHV Safety Week as it takes all of us to safeguard that OHV activities are done in a safe manner,” said OHMVR Division Chief Callan McLaughlin. “By riding responsibly and respectfully, we ask that you ride like the land is your legacy so that the next generation enjoys the same adventures and follows in your tracks in protecting these iconic open spaces.”
As riders hit the trails this season – whether on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) or 4x4s – it’s important to remember to Ride Responsibly:
- Suit Up: Wear a properly fitted helmet, chest protector, knee guards, and all recommended safety equipment. Safety gear can help prevent injuries, or worse.
- Ride Respectfully: Ride safe to current conditions. Always ride to your ability, do not exceed your skill level. Never ride or drive while intoxicated, DUI laws apply off road.
- Take a FREE Safety Training: Ride to ride again tomorrow, take a FREE ATV, motorcycle, or ROV safety course today.
- Do Your Part: Leave the area better than how you found it! Pack out what you pack in and carry a trash bag on your vehicle to pick up litter left by others. Stick to designated riding trails to help preserve your riding areas for years to come.
Everyone on the trail should remember they have a role in creating a safer, more informed off-highway recreation community.
Throughout OHV Safety Week, the OHMVR Division will work with its partners to share safety tips, . Additionally, free ATV, ROV and motorcycle safety classes will be offered statewide — a great opportunity to build confidence and skills. California’s state vehicular recreation areas (SVRA) are hosting additional special events during the week, such as junior ranger programs, a poker ride and a . For scheduled events and information on the free safety classes, visit the OHMVR Division website or ResponsibleRecreation.org.
The OHMVR Division is grateful to its partners – Tread Lightly! Initiative, California Highway Patrol, California Outdoor Recreation Foundation, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, ATV Safety Institute (ASI), Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA), Motorcycle Industry Council and Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) – for their invaluable support in making OHV Safety Week a success.
For more information on OHV Safety Week, resources on OHV safety, or to find an SVRA near you, please visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.
About the OHMVR Division California’s OHMVR Program 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: . The OHMVR program also supports safe and responsible OHV recreation beyond the state park system. Since 1971, more 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.
