New OHV safety classes are filling up fast

IDPR safety class in Boise

Hi all,

In case you haven't heard, the 2011 Idaho Legislature passed new education requirements for youths who ride off-highway vehicles on forest roads in Idaho. We wrote about the pending legislation proposed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Recreation Council during the legislative session, and now the education requirements have become law.

So, the upshot of the new law is that all unlicensed riders who wish to operate an OHV on national forest roads are required to take a free OHV safety course provided by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. These courses are filling up fast, and hunting season is coming up soon, so if your kids need to get signed up, it's best to do so ASAP!

Here are the links for signing up for the IDPR OHV safety courses in all regions of Idaho. The IDPR has set up courses from early August through October. Contact the IDPR's education specialists as follows to express interest and sign up for a class:

North Idaho: Scott Hildesheim
scott.hildesheim@idpr.idaho.gov

Southwest Idaho: Jonathan Okerlund
jonathan.okerlund@idpr.idaho.gov

Eastern Idaho: Patrick Carlson
patrick.carlson@idpr.idaho.gov

You also can sign up online on this web page.

IDPR officials say that public demand for the OHV safety courses is high. Based on the number of registered OHV's in Idaho, IDPR officials expect 3,500 to 4,000 youths in Idaho will need to take the courses.

IDPR policy allows for 10 students per course. The courses involve classroom and practical instruction on the dirt. The parent or legal guardian is required to attend the class with their child or children.

Topics covered by the education classes:

• Safe riding
• Proper machine sizing for size of rider
• Weight distribution
• Responsible and ethical riding
• Proper handling and shifting
• Riding within your ability

What to bring to class:

• Properly registered OHV or off-highway motorcycle
• Approved helmet, goggles or face shield, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and boots
• Snacks and water (optional)

The concept behind the classes is to make youth OHV riders aware of the dangers of riding OHVs on forest roads.

It's an extra step that may save a life.