It has been about 30 years since the first ATV was introduced to the market, and since then they have become more and more popular every year. Just what is the appeal of these three and four wheel machines, could it be just the excitement that riding them creates? Nowadays you will find entire families enjoying the excitement and riding as a family activity. But there is always down sides to things, and riding ATV’s is no different. Many accidents happen each year to people riding ATV’s, keeping a few things in mind and following some simple safety procedures could keep you in the safe zone at all times.
One of the first rules that you will want to follow is as a new rider, always head out to the trails with an experienced rider, in fact even an experienced rider should always have a partner with them. If at all possible before you buy your own ATV rent one or use a friends to see if this is something that you are really going to like. Once you determine that you enjoy the hobby, then start recording what type of riding you like to do and what trails you will be frequenting the most.
There are no laws on the books stating that people of certain sizes need to ride ATV’s of certain sizes, but it might be a good idea to get an ATV that matches your body size and is something that you will be able to handle. One example: It wouldn’t be smart to put a young 85 pound boy on a 800 or 900cc machine, but rather a 440 to 600cc machine would be an ATV that someone with that type of weight could handle well.
It is usually recommended that beginners not go off and buy a new ATV, rather become familiar with the sport first, try out some different style machines such as utility ATV’s or Sport ATV’s and determine what feels most comfortable to you. After you get your first machine it is always advisable to take a safety course. You can find ATV safety courses that will meet once a week for a couple of hours that is spread out three or four weeks. This is not mandatory but I believe is well worth your time and money.
Most of all have fun and enjoy this exciting and immensely fun hobby or sport as some may call it. Always think safety, and ride prepared.