The ATV Safety Institute and Motorcycle Safety Foundation Announce Do the Ride Thing Video Contest Winners Youth Across Country Earn Cash for Creating Public Service Announcements

IRVINE, Calif., Sep. 16, 2014 – Young riders across America used their creativity and video skills to produce public service announcements for a chance to win a total of $8,500 in this year’s Do the Ride Thing competition.

Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Klumpp of Edmond, Okla., won the $2,500 Grand Prize in the fifth annual contest to promote safe and responsible riding, sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute, Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Right Rider Access Fund. This is Klumpp’s fourth year participating in the contest. Her winning video is specifically for moms, dads and grandparents, and emphasizes the importance of supervising youth ATV riders: supervisors really do hold the keys to ATV safety.

“You control the keys,” says Grand Prize winner Elizabeth Klumpp, reminding parents and grandparents of ATV riders about the importance of always controlling the ATV’s use and always supervising young ATV riders.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” Klumpp said. “I really enjoyed putting together the videos. Each year gets better and better. This prize money will be very helpful to further my education after high school. It is my hope that in seeing my video, moms, dads and grandparents will understand the absolute necessity of controlling the keys. It only takes a second to prevent a life-altering injury.”

Age / Category Winners for Do the Ride Thing 2014

“Youth tend to be more receptive to messages about safety when it comes from their peers,” said ASI Vice President of Rider Training Cam Arnold. “This program is designed to give youth the opportunity to use their own creativity to craft videos that teach other kids and their parents the importance of safety when riding an ATV or dirt bike. We strongly encourage trade and enthusiast media, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and youth organizations to share these winning videos.”

Since the program’s creation in 2010, youth are encouraged to incorporate the ASI’s Golden Rules of ATV safety and the MSF DirtBike School’s Dirt Bike Riding Tips into their videos. More information about the Do the Ride Thing contest can be viewed here.

The contest took place from June 1 to Aug. 15. More than 45 submissions were reviewed by a judging panel of ASI and Right Rider Access Fund staff. In addition to the Grand Prize winner, three ATV contestants in three age categories (6-10, 11-14 and 15-18) were awarded prizes of $500, $300 and $200. Three dirt bike category entrants who met the contest requirements were also awarded first-, second- and third-place prizes of $500, $300 and $200.

The ASI and MSF continually encourage riders to always follow eight important safety rules:

The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules

1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. Another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.
5. Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
6. Supervise riders younger than 16. ATVs are not toys.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take a hands-on ATV RiderCourse and the free online E-Course. Visit ATVSafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

MSF Dirt Bike Riding Tips

1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
2. Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. Another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Supervise riders younger than 16. Dirt bikes are not toys.
5. Never permit youngsters to ride dirt bikes that are too tall or too powerful for their capabilities.
6. Don’t ride alone on remote trails. Use the buddy system.
7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
8. Take a hands-on riding course. Visit DirtBikeSchool.org.

The Do the Ride Thing Contest is sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Dirt Bike School and the Right Rider Access Fund.

The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute develops rider training programs and promotes the safe and responsible use of ATVs. The ASI works to reduce crashes and injuries resulting from improper ATV use. Formed in 1988, the ASI is a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The 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 the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Polaris Motorcycles, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s DirtBike School offers hands-on, one-day training classes for off-highway motorcycle riders aged six and older. Available for both new and experienced riders, the courses focus on skill development and responsible riding practices, the importance of wearing proper safety gear and environmental awareness. For safety information or to enroll in the DirtBike School nearest you, visit dirtbikeschool.com or call (877) 288-7093.

The Right Rider Access Fund is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly, by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and in other ways. The Fund’s charitable mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands. RRAF initiates its own initiatives and provides grants to others, like the NOHVCC. For more information, visit riderfund.org.