Be an Off-Road Hero – Take Free Dirt Bike, ATV, and ROV Courses All Across California
IRVINE, CALIF., October 26, 2023 — Fall is here and the trails are open! Across the state, California State Parks is offering free OHV rider and driver safety courses. Cal Parks, in collaboration with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, ATV Safety Institute, and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, is offering free, hands-on dirtbike, ATV and ROV courses. California riders and drivers interested in taking free classes can check availability and enroll at https://outdoorrecreationfoundation.org/. Riders and drivers in other states can sign up for online eCourses and hands-on classes at atvsafety.org, dirtbikeschool.org, and rohva.org.
Be an Off-Road Hero
All year round and every time you ride, be an Off-Road Hero by always remembering to:
- Gear up: Know what type of safety gear is required for your type of recreation. Always wear protective gear, including a safe, well-fitting helmet, proper eye protection, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots.
- Plan your route: Check ahead for open trails. Plan a route and get to know what type of terrain you may encounter. Off-road recreation areas have diverse geology, so avoid emergencies by learning about the various trail experience levels before you head out. Tell someone at home or at camp where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Check your supplies: Know what you need to have for a successful ride. Be prepared with a first-aid kit, extra water and food, maps, a tool kit, and extra fuel.
- Make good choices: Before you ride or drive, look over your vehicle to ensure tires are inflated properly and all other controls and lights are operating properly. Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ride only on designated routes and trails and at a safe speed. Remember that wildlife have the right-of-way. If you haven’t ridden or driven in a while, consider brushing up by taking a safety course.
“Off-Road Safety Week is a great opportunity to Train Now for a Better Ride Tomorrow. New riders and drivers can learn how to safely and responsibly use their off-road vehicles and learn the skills that will help them improve their ride and get more out of their time on the trail,” said Jun Villegas, field operations manager, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. “For current riders and drivers who are looking for a refresher, the ATV Safety Institute and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association also offer free eCourses.”
ASI’s free ATV Safety eCourse is available at https://atvsafety.org/atv-ecourse/ and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association’s ROV eCourse is available at https://cbt.rohva.org. Additional off-road safety tips can be downloaded for free here:
Tips & Practice Guide for the All-Terrain Vehicle Rider
Tips & Practice Guide for the Off-Highway Motorcyclist
Driving Tips for ROVs
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through rider training, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also works to preserve access to off-road riding areas and expand riding opportunities. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, the SVIA develops standards for equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ATVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BRP, Inc.; CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.; Champion Motorsports Group, LLC; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Suzuki Motor USA, LLC; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Visit SVIA.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit ATVSafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of ROVs (also called side-by-sides or UTVs). Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, ROHVA develops standards for the equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ROVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., ROHVA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BRP, Inc.; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in the ROV Basic DriverCourse nearest you, visit ROHVA.org or call (866) 267-2751.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BMW Motorrad USA; BRP, Inc.; Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.; Indian Motorcycle; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; KTM North America, Inc.; Suzuki Motor USA, LLC; Triumph Motorcycles America; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in an MSF Basic RiderCourse near you, or to learn more about the many other MSF course offerings, visit MSF-USA.org or call (800) 446-9227. Follow @msf__usa to keep up with MSF on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
