Did You Know?

[Instigate]

As of January 1st 2013, all riders 61 years old and younger, on ODF public lands such as Diamond Mill, Cedar Creek, Jordan Creek, et al. are required to complete the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ATV Safety Education Course?  Not only must you pass this on-line, free class but you must carry the state issued ATV Safety Education Card with you at all times while you are riding these areas. 

The link to the on-line class is as follows:
http://www.rideatvoregon.org/

Please take the time to complete this class if you're under 61 years old and plan to ride any ODF lands.  Failure to take this class or have the ATV Safety Education Card on your person while riding these public areas can result in a fine.

I look forward to seeing you out at the Burn!

[Mr. Neutron]

I have mine. My daughter had to have one when she was 14 yrs. old, and as I understand it, was required to ride with someone (an adult) who had passed the test as well.....

I'm sorry, but I consider the whole program a nuisance. It's ran similar to how the boater's safety program is ran, it's free save for the time you spend reading for and taking the test, but I'm certain it really accomplishes very little in the real world of trail riding....

But thanks for the heads up for those that will need it; good to have a notice or reminder for them!

Jimmie

[Tawmass]

Unfortunately this was the compromise we had to take to deter a national (misinformed, extremist) group (SafeKids.org) from trying to outlaw ALL kids under 16 from riding ANY OHVs in Oregon. Though it is indeed a PITA, it is better than the alternative. I suggest taking this test while it is free. The program is directed by bureaucrats, so I doubt it will continue to be free.
-Tom

[Mr. Neutron]

Tom,
Good Point, Sir!

Thank you for reminding me of that. Was that "sort-of" due largely to several tragic accidents with quads at that time? I realize it was felt that something, anything, needed to be done at that time. I believe there was a lot of over reaction hysteria & media embellishment on the evils of offroad OHVs at the time, wasn't there?

While I still am not too thrilled with the program, I have to admit that I could not think up anything any better, so probably shouldn't be levelling criticism at it.

Jimmie

[Instigate]

Just a quick update.  We spoke to ODF today.  Here's the latest information. 

All riders 61 years old and younger will need to have carry the state issued ATV Safety Education Card with you at all times while you are riding ODF public lands with the exception of COTA members only on the actual day of a scheduled event, such as the upcoming COTA Diamond Mill trial on Sunday, 04/28/13.  However, if you are going to ride up there on the Saturday before you will need to have the Safety Education Card on your person or risk receiving a fine.

I believe the fine is $110.00 per occurrence.  That will add up in a hurry!  Forewarned is forearmed!

[JayLael]

Don't wait until the last minute. This test actually took me about five hours to complete. If you can do it in two hours like David, you must be one smart sumbitch! I am now an official card carrying do-gooder.