The Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) promotes education, training and collaboration among the ATVing community in Saskatchewan. The association has a new general manager and is looking forward to promoting its mandate in the year ahead.
John Meed, a retiree and avid ATVer, took over as general manager of SATVA in December 2012.
“I helped set up the Regina Queen City Quadders a couple of years ago,” said Meed. “I support the safe and responsible use of ATVs, which I think is one of the primary values and mandates of SATVA.”
The year ahead
Meed said that this year the SATVA is keen to promote two things: the registration of ATVs and mandatory training for all quad riders in Saskatchewan.
“Right now, only 12- to 15-year-old riders require training to ride on Crown land, but we would like to see training for everybody,” said Meed. “We think that is a valid goal.”
He said as it stands, anyone can go and buy an 800cc ATV, jump on it, go down a ditch and not know one thing about the machine. He said that last season wasn't the best they had in terms of safety, and many accidents could have been avoided with knowledge and training.
Meed said that there are currently some rules in place, but SATVA executives think that enhancements could be made for a better experience.
“Riders must wear a helmet on Crown land, they can't be too close to the travel portion of the highway and they can't go on private property without permission,” said Meed. “As a general rule, ATVs are allowed in the ditch of any provincial highway unless it is specified otherwise—provided the rider wears a helmet."
Underage riders must have had training and be accompanied by a rider with a driver's licence.
ATV registration
The SATVA wants to lobby the government to see all ATVs registered.
“We want to promote this for a number of reasons,” said Meed.
He said the police don't have a way of locating riders breaking the law. And there is a high number of ATV thefts, with no quick way of identifying stolen vehicles.
Meed said he would like to see the money from registration going into a government-managed trail fund; this could aid trail development, repairs and safety programs.
“The benefit would be a safer environment to go quadding, an opportunity to develop more trails and a positive spinoff for tourism,” said Meed. “In other provinces, this is quite significant.”
The southern half of the province is fairly open with fields and prairies, and north of Prince Albert there are lots of opportunities to quad through forests and varied terrain. Trail development in the south isn't as developed as the north, so the SATVA is looking to expand there.
Meed said the SATVA will continue to apply for programs, grants and opportunities to increase its resource base.
Check out the SATVA website for information on trails, training courses and upcoming events.
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