Gear up for the ATV season with some proper training

While legislation for operating an ATV differs in Canadian provinces and territories, John Meed would suggest every rider take an approved safety course. Meed is the general manager of the Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) and has been riding ATVs for over 20 years.

“ATVs have a dynamic like no other vehicle.” he said. “Their short wheelbase and width make them more prone to tipping, and they are designed to be ridden on uneven, rough terrain. It’s important that the rider understands the characteristics of the ATV, how to turn, climb and descend hills, wear proper safety equipment, properly avoid obstacles and how to safely dismount the ATV in the event of a tip-over.”

A rider practices properly riding over obstacles. — photo courtesy of John Meed

Although Meed has been riding for over two decades, he enrolled himself in a rider course back in 2013 offered by the Canadian AQCC Safety Institute (CASI), a division of the All-Terrain Quad Council of Canada. The qualified and certified instructors with CASI teach a series of lessons emphasizing safety implications related to ATVs. For example, the CASI course goes through an introduction to safety awareness, preparing to ride, getting familiar with your ATV, starting your ATV, starting riding, turning, quick stops and swerving, riding strategies, riding over obstacles, riding on hills and safe riding practices. It ends with a quiz to give you an idea of the course content.

The courses are pass/fail situations and participants are issued a certification upon completion.

Rider practices maneuvering a sharp turn by going around a barrel.

A rider practices maneuvering a sharp turn. — photo courtesy of John Meed

“In Saskatchewan, youth from 12 years old to 15 years old and adults who don’t have a driver’s licence require ATV training if they wish to operate an ATV on public property or property their family doesn’t own,” Meed said.

As stated, legislation varies greatly between provinces and the CASI ATV course is designed for individuals as young as six years old. Riders are required to provide their own ATVs for the courses, so if you do not own an ATV, renting needs to be arranged prior to the start of the course. Riders must also be trained on an ATV appropriately sized for the rider’s age. You won’t be able to take out Dad’s Renegade 1000 for this one.

According to SATVA, there were eight ATV-related deaths and 47 injuries in Saskatchewan in 2013. Proper training is the first step to making a difference this season.

Play safe out there.