Spring is here, and for many it’s time to head back to the trails. To ensure you get the most fun out of the new riding season, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI), Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) have teamed up with California State Parks to offer free training for ATVs, dirt bikes and side-by-sides.
“OHV Safety Week is March 23-31 in California, so we want to emphasize the opportunity for people to get free training, whether you want to learn new skills or brush up on your techniques,” said Scott Schloegel, acting president and CEO of ASI, MSF and ROHVA. “Baseball players use spring training to get back into shape, and so does the off-road community.”
Free training will be available throughout California at 10 locations through 2024. A schedule of classes can be found on the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation’s website.
“It’s important that everyone in the [off-highway vehicle] OHV community understands that they share the responsibility for safety,” said OHMVR Division Chief Callan McLaughlin. “We share our trails with many types of off-road vehicles and people of different skill levels, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our public lands.”
Free online eCourses are also available to all riders and drivers in California and worldwide at ATVSafety.org and ROHVA.org. The eCourses introduce off-road enthusiasts to the fundamentals of riding and driving and help them develop safe practices.
“The eCourse and hands-on training can also help you get more out of your ride,” Schloegel said. “Understanding safe habits, learning how to properly prepare for a ride, as well as getting trained on proper body position and techniques can help you stay out on the trails longer, go farther and have more fun.”
For more information on off-highway motor vehicle recreation in California and state vehicular recreation areas, go to California State Park’s OHV site: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov. To learn more about free online eCourses and hands-on training, visit ATVSafety.org, MSF-USA.org and ROHVA.org.
