Youth ride ATVs recreationally and on the farm, but they don’t always do so with safety in mind. This project area teaches young people the importance of putting safety first when operating an ATV and gives them the knowledge they need to enjoy this hobby while taking fewer risks.
Please note there are age restrictions on this project area:
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Cloverbuds, 4-H youth ages 5-7, may participate in a number of age-appropriate activities, though they may not participate in competitive events.
If you have questions about eligibility please, contact your county 4-H coordinator.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Understand how their ATV works and how to properly ride it
- Learn what equipment they will need to ride an ATV safely and how to choose the right protective gear
- Discover how they can be interact responsibly with the natural environment while riding their ATV
- Familiarize themselves with local laws and ordinances that govern who may ride an ATV, when they can ride, and where they may ride
4-H ATV Safety Curriculum
Available from the extension office and online.
4-H ATV Safety is a project book designed for use by individual members! Appropriate for all age levels, these lessons rely in large part on information from the ATV Safety Institute and are designed to put safety first. Covers getting familiar with your ATV, protective gear, riding techniques, safe strategies and safe practices, and respecting the environment. Includes practice records. Enrollment in an ASI RiderCourse is recommended but not required. The 554GPM ATV Safety, Leaders Guide, is available here. ©2023
ATV Adventures! Rider Handbook (PDF)
Riders must be educated about safe operation of ATVs before they climb on board. Some operators decide they can handle large, powerful machines without training or instruction. Most operators, however, ride safe enough to avoid mishaps. Welltrained riders have more knowledge and skills to offset risk factors. When it comes to ATV use, it should be normal to be well trained, ride at appropriate speeds, and avoid risks.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
ATV Safety for Young Riders (YouTube video)
This episode of “Across the Fence”, produced by University of Vermont Extension, covers safety basics, shows riders how to determine if an ATV is a good fit, and discusses what to look for in safety equipment and protective gear.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Authorized and prohibited uses for wheeled all-terrain vehicles – Washington State Legislature
Laws governing ATV use at the state level – local laws may be more restrictive, check with the municipality before riding.
Regstering wheeled all-terrain vehicles
Learn how to license different types of wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATV) including motorized, non-highway vehicles with handle bars, and utility-type vehicles.
ATV Operation in Washington State – Washington ATV Association
OHV Use on National Forest in Washington and Oregon (PDF)
Information on riding in the National Forests, including an overview of laws from both Washington and Oregon, as well as those from the National Forest Service.
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Safe Riding Tips: 4-H ATV Safety – Mississippi 4-H
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
ATV Safety Institute Free Booklets
Safety tips and booklets available as downloadable PDFs.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
None at this time.