If you have a child who is an avid ATV rider, you no doubt want to teach your child respect for the land as well as other ATV riders. This is important not only for the environment, but also As a valuable life lesson for your child. Teaching a child that code of ethics for ATV riding allows everyone to benefit from being a safe and responsible rider.
One of the first lessons you certainly want your child to learn regarding ATV riding, is never, ever to ride recklessly. Not only is it unsafe to ride recklessly, it gives those who are responsible ATV riders a bad name. When a child is taught from the beginning to respect the land that he or she is riding on, your child will carry this respect over into other aspects of his or her life.
Another very important lesson for children to learn, is to obey all trail markers and closure signs. Trails may be closed for several reasons, and it should never be taken upon any one to decide that a closed trail is safe. Although it may not be obvious from first glance why a trail is closed, the trail has been closed for a very good reason. This may include something as simple as refuge to plants or wildlife, to something as dangerous as a possible fire hazard to ATV riders.
It is also important for children to learn to throw away garbage in specified receptacles. It is also a great idea to pick up any litter that you see, if you have the means to take it with you on your ATV, and carry it to a proper trash bin.
When you park your ATV, please make sure not to block other vehicles, as well as other trails. It can be frustrating to others who want to use the trail, or their own ATV when they cannot because they are blocked in.
Always make sure to learn the area that you will be riding your ATV in before you get there. If at all possible, contact the landowner or a person who manages the land and make sure that you not only have permission to ride there, but that you are a good enough distance away from any restrictions.
Finally, keep your ATV as quiet as possible. It is not necessary to have a loud engine, and if your engine is too loud, it may disturb the wildlife around, as well as other people who are enjoying nature.
By following these simple rules, your child will make an excellent example of what ATV riding is all about.
