Post by Wyldcomfort on Mar 16, 2007 7:28:07 GMT -5
Here is the picture from the Oregonian - we should be used to this by now but we really can't let them get away with it....or they will just keep doing it. Personally, I am very offended. So that being said I did write a letter (actually two) to them yesterday. Hope you do too!! We are meeting with Parks and have a lot of work ahead of us between now and then. Considering we are condensing about two years of work into a week I need everyone on board to help. Look at the best fit guidelines I sent earlier. This is from Utah and seems to be working really well. ASI training is currently around 3-4 hours. What type of training program would we like. Computer or packet then hands on for kids with parent participation??? Just hands on for kids..... Because we have folks all over this state with many willing to put on safety training classes in their area without becomming a full-time instructor - how should we determine their training...could it be online only or should we have an instructor go to each area and train hands on with the instructor. We have to make this possible in all areas so it can't be so hard that people are asked to give up a huge portion of their time and travel hundreds of miles for certification. Here is what I am thinking....Say the "Sandpipers" have a club with 300 members. A state instructor goes to the members of that club and trains them to train. They also have a program on line that they will complete in advance of that training - maybe an extension to the adult training that will be required. Now we have say fifteen members willing to do the hands on. The state still regulates the computer training online or offers a written version for folks without computers. The hands on will not need to be as deep or take the amount of time as it currently does with ASI because a huge amount will have already been done online. This gets kids in front of an adult who can first determine if the child has the physical ability to operate a Quad. It also get the parent involved. They could reinforce what was covered online, clearly explain the risks involved, the importance of helmets and supervision. We could also have this same State trainer establish training dates at local riding areas to teach kids and also certify instructors. That way the primary responsiblity of education remains with the state, but we can help facilitate the hands on portion that can be the most important element for kids safety. Remember, we are vesting our future on how well our safety program works. If it doesn't we will have another knock at the door from Safekids saying shut em down!!
The other thing we need to look at is a "Quad Squad" program. This will enable Clubs or individuals to address unsafe riding behavior in the riding areas in a peaceful but educational way. These same folks could also visit their local schools during an assembly and talk about ATV safety.....Basic stuff like if you are at a friends house...etc.
So jump in here anytime - I know you all have wonderful ideas...but until we put it all together we have nothing.... Please review the Best fit guidelines from Utah - any suggestions - like it or don't??? I will be part of the solution but I have to tell you, I am getting pretty worn down on the fight aspect of all of this so if we don't step up now, I am not fighting this same battle again. The cost to my family and sleep is steep. And we are not sheep....not to Safekids, not to Parks and frankly not to me. We all have to care as much for making it right as we have been at fighting it. So please review Utah's best fit that I sent earlier...should we propose it as it is?? What clubs are willing to help implement the hands on training portion...? Individuals? I am making a list....who is onboard?? Thank you- Lindy
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Some of the problems we are having are with what defines a Class 1. The language is very broad and could it include the little ATVs that are battery powered?? Here is the information I got today - we need to firm up the definition for sure......At what size does it become a class one???
ATV Definitions
Class I ATV Definition
ORS 801.190 defines a Class I all-terrain vehicle (ATV) as a: “motorized, off-highway recreational vehicle 50 inches or less in width with a dry weight of 800 pounds or less that travels on three or more low pressure tires, has a saddle or seat for the operator, and is designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, sand,
snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain.”
Class II ATV Definition
ORS 801.193 defines a Class II ATV as any motor vehicle that:
Weighs more than a Class I ATV (800 pounds)
Is designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, swampland or other natural terrain; and
Is actually being operated off a highway.
Class III ATV Definition:
ORS 801.194 defines a Class III ATV as “an off-highway motorcycle with a dry weight of 600 pounds or less that travels on two tires.”
NOTE: Class III ATVs (“dirt bikes”) may or may not have been manufactured or equipped for highway use. To legally operate a dirt bike or similar vehicle on the public roads of Oregon, the vehicle must meet Federal highway safety and equipment requirements, Federal EPA requirements, and insurance requirements. See Imported Motorcycle and Moped Requirements.