NEWS RELEASE July 7, 2008
Media Contact:
Marc Lallaman
HMH
503-973-9267
marcl@thinkhmh.com
OREGON ATV RIDERS FACING NEW SAFETY
RULES TO RIDE ON PUBLIC LAND
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to Provide
Safety Education Course and Information on Rule Changes
SALEM, ORE., July 7, 2008 — There are approximately 150,000 all-terrain vehicle operators in Oregon. To help improve their safety, a number of regulations signed into law by Governor Ted Kulongoski in 2007 are being phased in. The new safety laws apply to riders of off-road quads and motorcycles.
“There have been a growing number of ATV-related deaths and injuries in Oregon and nationally, but crash reports indicate that nearly all of these accidents were preventable,” said Ron Price, Oregon Parks & Recreation Department’s ATV program coordinator. The ATV program provides funds for safety education and law enforcement along with development, maintenance and acquisition of riding areas on public lands. The program also provides funds for emergency medical services.
As of January 1, 2008, the law requires children under 18 to ride with their helmet chin-straps fastened and to be supervised by someone who is at least 18 years old, has received accredited ATV training and can provide immediate assistance to the child.
Beginning January 1, 2009, riders under the age of 16 must ride on a properly fitting quad and will be required to complete a mandatory safety education course developed to teach safe, responsible riding behavior. Upon passing the test, they will be sent an ATV Education Card which must be carried while riding on public lands. In addition, all riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age and holds a valid ATV Education Card, so anyone supervising young riders must complete and pass the course and carry their card.
By January 1, 2014 all ATV riders will be required to complete the course, pass the test and carry a valid card. For the schedule of the minimum age requirements being phased in, along with complete information on the rule changes for Oregon’s ATV riders, go to www.rideATVoregon.org or call 1-877-7SAFELY.
The course will be available on the website beginning January 1, 2009. Those without internet access may call the toll-free number for a printed copy of the study guide and test. The course is free, and riders who wish to receive a reminder when the course becomes available can visit the website now to sign up for an email announcement.
The safety education program is being implemented through rules that were written with public input through the ATV Safety Stakeholder Advisory Committee. Price will conduct five public meetings throughout the state where public comment will be heard regarding the ATV safety education program rules. This will include requiring that non-resident riders also have an ATV safety education card before riding on Oregon public lands.
Locations and dates for the meetings are:
· Florence: July 10, 6-8 p.m., Florence Conference Center, 715 Quince St., Room TBD
· Bend: July 14, 6-8 p.m., Comfort Inn Suites, 62065 SE 27th St., Room TBD
· Baker City: July 15, 6-8 p.m., Geiser Grand Hotel, 1996 Main St., Swan Room
· Salem: July 23, 6-8 p.m., Oregon Parks and Recreation, 725 Summer St., Suite C
· Medford: July 24, 6-8 p.m., City of Medford Public Library, 111 High St., Adams Room
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages a 102,000-acre state park system, plus programs for Oregon’s ocean shores, scenic waterways, the Willamette River Greenway, recreational trails and all-terrain vehicles. The department also provides grants to local governments, manages the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, and oversees state heritage preservation efforts through the State Historic Preservation Office, Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Commission for Historic Cemeteries. The department’s headquarters is in Salem at 725 Summer Street NE. For online information, go to www.oregonstateparks.org.
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