Saskatchewan ATV Association (SATVA) says ATV'ing is a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of Saskatchewan.
Moto Canada estimated there are around 60,000 ATV's in the province of Saskatchewan. Its an activity the whole family can enjoy and John Meed with SATVA "With proper training, equipment and supervision, children and youth can safely take part in the activity and have a lot of fun"
When it comes to introducing youth to riding there is a few key aspects to make sure its done in a safe and responsible manner.Meed says "age appropriate, size appropriate machine for youth" Kids don't have the strength or dexterity to operate full sized ATV's
Other Key Safety Tips from SATVA:
Adult Supervision is a Must
- No child or youth should operate an ATV without adult supervision. When riding, adults should stay behind children to ensure they’re riding properly, and to be in a position to respond immediately in the event of an emergency situation.
Take an ATV Training Course
- Approved training courses are available throughout Saskatchewan, which teach children and youth how to safely ride an ATV, and provide them with the necessary skills to handle the various obstacles of off-roading. The Canada Safety Council has a variety of certified instructors.
Wear A Helmet and Protective Gear
- A properly-fitted helmet is an absolute must. When it comes to gear, an easy tip is to cover every part of the body. Avoid shorts and tank tops, which leave the rider or passenger open to cuts and scrapes. Riders should wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.
Ride an ATV that’s Right for Your Size and Age.
- Children should be on an age/size appropriate ATV and not on adult machines. Typical age appropriate machines are 50cc to 120cc depending on age and size of the child.
No Passengers
- Young riders usually aren’t ready to take passengers with them, and can more safety operate the vehicle when completely focused on the drive.
Ride Only During the Day
- Riding over uneven terrain is difficult during the day. Seeing an unexpected bump ahead, a driver might slow down or steer around it. But at night, it’s more difficult to see unexpected bumps or other obstacles
Follow the Law - Keep ATVs Off of Roads
- In Saskatchewan it’s against the law to drive an ATV on a paved road, unless it’s to cross the road or circumvent an obstacle like a river. ATVs are designed for off-road terrain, and aren’t made for paved roads. Driving them on a paved surface can make them harder to control. Paved roads also increase the risk of collision with other vehicles and pedestrians
ATV's can be used in ditches along any numbered provincial highway, unoccupied crown line, and on private property. There is a fair number of trails in Northern Saskatchewan and another in the Rocanville and Esterhazy Saskatchewan. A few provincial parks also offer up ATV trails including Moose Mountain, Narrow Hills and Great Blue Heron