February 04, 2010
AOHVA Annual General Meeting
April 11, 2010
The AGM will be held at the Lou Soppit Community Centre in Rocky Mountain House. Start time is 1:00 pm with a buffet to follow. Hope to see you there.
January 30, 2010
Motorcycle Industry Council: Enthusiasts and Industry Must Mount Massive Grassroots Effort to Advocate for Amendment to the CPSIA
CPSC Recommendations to Amend CPSIA Could Stop the Ban on Youth Motorcycles and ATVs; Urge Congress to Act Swiftly on Proposed Changes
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2010 – The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) supports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recommendation to Congress to give the agency more flexibility to grant exclusions from the lead content limit to address certain products. The CPSC requested this flexibility in its January 15 report to Congress containing recommendations to improve the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
“We are encouraged that the consensus report of all five Commissioners specifically mentions ATVs and dirtbikes, recognizing the dangers to riders caused by the current ban on youth motorcycles and ATVs,” said MIC general counsel, Paul Vitrano.
In addition to the consensus report, MIC is encouraged that CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum also called on Congress to create a new “functional purpose” exclusion to the lead content limits. This amendment would permit the Commission to grant exclusions for youth ATVs and motorcycles since lead in many accessible components is necessary for their functional purpose, contact with those components is infrequent and the elimination of lead is impracticable or impossible based on available scientific or technical information.
“It is clear that the CPSC strongly believes that the ban on youth model ATVs and motorcycles needs to end,” Vitrano also said. “MIC calls on Congress to draft legislation as soon as possible to either grant a categorical exemption for these products, as provided by H.R. 1587, a pending bill with 55 bi-partisan co-sponsors, or to give the CPSC the flexibility to do so.”
In a Jan. 12 letter, the MIC thanked the CPSC for its efforts to promote youth safety by implementing a temporary stay to make some youth vehicles available despite the ban. MIC also suggested three ways to completely or substantially exclude or exempt youth off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles from those provisions:
1. a “functional purpose” amendment
2. a categorical exemption, such as would be provided by H.R. 1587
3. a change in the definition of “accessibility” for powersports products
Vitrano said it will again be critical for enthusiasts and industry to mount a massive grassroots effort targeting Congress to advocate for one of these amendments to the CPSIA. In the coming days, MIC will be launching advocacy campaigns through www.stopthebannow.com.
The MIC letter can be read at this link: http://tiny.cc/8iJ3x
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.
Contact the Motor Industry Council Media Relations at (949) 727-4211 x 3027
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)
Creating a Positive Future for Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation
Contact us at 427 Central Ave West, Great Falls, MT, 59404
trailhead@nohvcc.org Phone: 800-348-6487 Fax:406-454-9142
December 18, 2009
Hon. Jeff Johnson, Chair
Recreation Corridors Coordinating Committee
9718 107 Street
Edmonton, AB Canada
T5K 1E4
Re: Off Highway Vehicle Recreational Trails Proposal
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Thank you for meeting with the Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association (AOHVA) on November 25, 2009, along with Bill Werry, Deputy Minister of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, and staff from the ministry.
As you know, this meeting was requested so that we could discuss the draft proposal submitted to you by the (AOHVA) on September 9, 2009 that is titled “Proposals / Policies regarding Financial Sustainability and Management of Off Highway Vehicle Recreation in Alberta.” Based on input from those discussions, we have redrafted the proposal and are now submitting a replacement for the Sept. 9 document to you and your colleagues for review and consideration. We are asking for copies of the earlier document to be destroyed or returned to avoid confusion.
The new document highlights four major issues related to off highway vehicle (OHV) recreational trails and proposes solutions for each. These solutions should not cost the Government of Alberta money. Indeed, they may save money while resolving many of the conflicts arising from competing land uses. Please note that the AOHVA’s proposal focuses only on recreational trails on public land: OHVs used on private property are currently exempt from licensing and therefore outside the scope of our proposal.
We will be sharing the attached proposal with members of our association and clubs and encouraging them to contact their MLAs to demonstrate their support of our recommendations. Thank you once again for your thoughtful input and your dedicated work on Alberta recreational trails.
Sincerely,
Brent Hodgson, AOHVA President
Cc:
Honourable Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Honourable Ted Morton, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development
All other Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Bill Werry, Deputy Minister, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Eric McGhan, Deputy Minister, Sustainable Resource Development Evan Berger, Parliamentary Assistant, Sustainable Resource Development
Revised December 18, 2009
Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association
Position Paper / Proposal:
Management of Off Highway Vehicle Recreation in Alberta
December 18, 2009
Land use management is a key priority for the Government of Alberta (GOA) and indeed, for all Albertans. Weighing competing priorities among business, industry, residential needs, recreational demand, and protection of the environment is no easy task.
The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association (AOHVA) is a major stakeholder in off highway vehicle (OHV) recreation, so our focus is on finding solutions to challenges and concerns related to recreation that affect the provincial government, our members and the public. We are well positioned to do so because we are provincial in scope; maintain a permanent office and staff and sound business practices; have a large, dedicated volunteer corps experienced in trail development; and are led by a board of directors who are knowledgeable and passionate about their chosen recreational activity.
This proposal examines the major issues regarding OHV recreation, OHV recreational trails, trail funding, and the need for sustainable and responsibly managed growth. Each issue is followed by our position on the issue, and recommendations for your consideration. Our goal is to work with you to develop a sustainable (self-administered, self-supporting) trail system for off highway vehicle use.
Issue 1: DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL TRAILS HAS INCREASED
The provincial government is finding it increasingly difficult to build, maintain and manage the quantity and quality of recreation trails and trail systems that the public demands. At present, the GOA focus is on building non-motorized recreational trails in parks and protected areas. It also provides technical and financial support to recreational trail associations for specific trail projects on public and private lands. Though some of these projects are multi-use, many of them do not permit motorized use.
AOHVA position: AOHVA is prepared to take on the challenge of building and managing multi-use trails suitable for OHV use. Indeed, we have been doing so for some time. We also extend our volunteer efforts to partner with other trail associations in building non-motorized trail, e.g. Allison Creek Cross-Country Ski Trail expansion in Crowsnest Pass. These partnerships among trail user and tourism groups are becoming more frequent and enable participants to work cooperatively on trails for all users and to access major grants. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to complete these mega-projects relying solely on volunteers – trail systems are growing and new standards require costly upgrades. We cannot continue to meet the demand for new trails without a sustainable source of funds.
AOHVA Recommendation:
Levy a surcharge on OHV license fees and send the monies collected to a Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO) that could allocate funds to AOHVA, which in turn, would provide funds to its member clubs and partners for sustainable OHV trail development and maintenance.
Issue 2: THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT TRAILS DESIGNATED FOR OHV USE
There are only a limited number of recreational trails that are suited to or permit off highway vehicle use. Because of this, OHV riders travel over public lands, which can result in environmental damage, litter, liability issues and unwanted noise. As a result, there is pressure to restrict OHV use on public land but this will only relocate the problems, not resolve them. Nor will it realize the recreational and economic potential associated with properly planned, managed and enforced multi-use trail systems.
AOHVA Position: Developing and upgrading multi-use recreational trails suitable for OHVs will encourage riders to participate in using managed trail systems. This will help mitigate damage to the environment, and enable education and enforcement to take place. AOHVA is well positioned to educate our user groups about the environmental and enforcement issues.
AOHVA Recommendations:
1. Develop more sustainable, managed multi-use trail systems for OHV use; AOHVA is uniquely positioned to do this work and has demonstrated expertise to offer.
2. The provincial government or DAO would partner with AOHVA to find ways to build or expand OHV trails and resolve OHV related trail issues.
Issue 3: THE ABSENCE OF A PROVINCIAL TRAIL AUTHORITY TO MANAGE TRAIL STEWARDSHIP AND LIABILITY ISSUES
The infrastructure to support sustainable multi-user OHV recreational trails does not exist. There is no provincial trail authority that can assume responsibility for trail infrastructure and liability, or provide continuity in building OHV trail systems. Trail user groups cannot install infrastructure such as bridges, so many trails cannot be connected to construct loops or expanded. If a volunteer-based clubs folds, there may be trail stewardship and liability issues.
AOHVA Position: Currently, trail building and maintenance on public lands is being left to volunteer-run clubs and associations with some financial support from government. This includes the building of bridges across waterways and/or other infrastructure.
If the volunteer club dissolves, someone needs to assume responsibility for the trails and the infrastructure. As well, some industry-reclaimed access roads could be used for recreational trails; this would reduce surface disturbance and would provide trail builders with a responsible environmental way to minimize linear disturbance.
AOHVA Recommendation:
Establish a Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO) to manage stewardship, assume liability issues, allocate funding, monitor trail development projects, hold common infrastructure, and accept GOA land transfers, donated land or other gifts related to multi-use OHV recreational trails.
Issue 4: INCREASING COSTS OF TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
Administering and financing trail development has become an increasing burden on government and taxpayers, especially in the current climate of fiscal restraint. Funding that does exist is often allocated on a per project basis, making it difficult for trail associations to sustain their operations or work toward developing comprehensive trail systems. The Alberta Recreation Corridor and/or Trails Classification System has set new guidelines for trail development, which will result in increased cost as existing trails are upgraded and new trails are being constructed.
AOHVA Position: AOHVA has a strong track record in developing and upgrading multi-use trails in Alberta. We can build trail significantly faster than government and often at a fraction of the cost. However, we are finding that increased demand for trails, the complexity of projects and more exacting standards are raising costs and making it difficult to complete these tasks relying solely on volunteers. Though we would continue to mobilize our volunteer workforce, we need sustainable funding to purchase equipment, supplies and services to meet the new design, engineering and construction guidelines coming into place.
There are only a limited number of grants available and they are based on matching funds raised by the volunteer organization. It is increasingly difficult for volunteer organizations to raise these funds while also doing the work of trail building.
AOHVA Recommendations:
1. Levy and segregate a surcharge on OHV license fees that will go back into trail development and maintenance. This will result in a user pay system that will cost the government and taxpayers less money, while enabling trail associations like AOHVA to remain sustainable.
2. Establish a (DAO) with fiduciary responsibility to both receive and allocate these funds; this will take a burden from government.
We appreciate your consideration of our proposal and recommendations. AOHVA shares the same commitment as the Government of Alberta: to develop a sustainable and managed trail system for all recreation trail users. We hope to partner with you while moving towards the realization of this goal. We put forward basic principles that offer solutions that are manageable and cost effective for the government. We look forward to discussing them with you in the near future and fleshing out a workable structure for multi-use OHV trail systems province-wide.
AOHVA e-mail to : tanya.office@aohva.com or contact:
Brent Hodgson, President Garry Salekin, Treasurer
Email: brenthodgson.pres@aohva.com Email: garrysalekin.treas@aohva.com
Cell: (780) 621-9595 Cell: (403) 609-1208
Aaron Bauer, Vice President Christine Ross, Secretary
Email: aaronbauer.vp@aohva.com Email: christineross.sec@aohva.com
Cell: (403) 539-9612 Cell: (403) 968-4749
Respectfully submitted by the Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association on
December 14, 2009:
Brent Hodgson, AOHVA President:
Aaron Bauer, AOHVA Vice President:
Garry Salekin, AOHVA Treasurer:
Christine Ross, AOHVA Secretary:
On behalf of other organizations:
Crowsness Pass Quad Squad: Glen French
Alberta Outdoors Coalition: Cal Rakach
Revised December 17, 2009
INDIVIDUAL OHV RIDERS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS
KEY MESSAGES:
(For use when talking to an MLA on the phone or in person)
The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association submitted a proposal related to sustainable OHV recreational trails to the Alberta government on December 15, 2009.
I am contacting you to indicate my support for the AOHVA proposal and asking you, as my elected representative, to also support this proposal.
The proposal highlights four issues, the AOHVA position on each and recommendations for consideration. If the recommendations are acted on, we should be able to resolve the long-term challenges related to OHV recreational trail development.
If the proposal is accepted, it will create an OHV trail system that would be sustainable (self-supporting) while at the same time, giving OHV riders a safe, exciting ride away from populated communities.
The two primary recommendations are:
1. For the Alberta government to levy a surcharge on OHV licenses with this money directed back to OHV trail development and maintenance.
This surcharge (user fee) will likely only be applied to the OHV licenses for vehicles that used for recreational riding on public land (provincial parks, crown land). OHVs used on private lands are exempt from licensing, so would also be exempt from the surcharge.
2. For the Alberta government to establish a Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO) to manage these funds and oversee their allocation.
This DAO could also be responsible for OHV trail infrastructure and liability, and developing long-term plans for OHV trail systems.
The AOHVA proposal was submitted to government for the following reasons:
1. The size and scope of trail projects has grown with the demand by Albertans for more and better recreational trails.
2. The cost of building these trails has risen and new trail guidelines have been established – these guidelines require professional design and construction.
3. Though AOHVA members will continue to provide volunteer services (we can build trail significantly faster than government and often at a fraction of the cost), we can no longer complete mega-projects without the aid of professionals and a source of sustainable revenue.
4. Trail users of all types will have more and better multi-use, managed recreational trails to enjoy. Designated trail systems offer safe, exciting rides for OHV owners, provide links between communities, and reduce or eliminate conflicts with landowners.
We appreciate that both the Alberta Government and federal government have already provided AOHVA with project-specific funding to build multi-use recreational trails.
And we will be appreciative of your continued support as you review our proposal with your colleagues. Thank you.
LETTER FROM OHV RIDERS TO THEIR MLAs
Your name
Address
Date
MLA name
MLA riding
Address
Re: SUPPORT OF ALBERTA OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE ASSOCIATION PROPOSAL TO GOVERNMENT DECEMBER 18, 2009
I am contacting you to indicate my support for the Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association proposal submitted to the Alberta Government on December 18, 2009.
I am hoping you, as my elected official, will also support this proposal.
The proposal presents two solutions to answer the long-term challenge to provide multi-use, managed recreational trails for the use of Albertans and their visitors:
1. Our primary solution is a request that the Alberta Government add a surcharge on OHV licenses with this money directed back to OHV trail development and maintenance. This surcharge (user fee) is most likely to be applied only to the OHV licenses for vehicles that will be used for recreational purposes on public land (provincial parks, crown land). Most of the OHVs ridden on private lands are already exempt from licensing, so would also be exempt from the surcharge.
2. Our proposal also asks for the government to establish a Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO) to manage these funds and oversee their allocation. The DAO could also take responsibility for trail infrastructure and liability.
The reasons for submitting this proposal are as follows:
1. The size and scope of trail projects has grown with the demand by Albertans for more and better recreational trails. It has become increasingly difficult for governments to build or fund trails, and for non-profit groups to build or manage them without funding.
2. The cost of building recreational trails has risen and new trail guidelines may raise the costs even further as requirements may be beyond the time and skills of volunteers.
3. Though AOHVA will continue to provide volunteer services, we can no longer complete these mega-trail projects without the aid of professionals and that requires sustainable revenue.
The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association and its member clubs are well positioned to meet the public’s demand for more and better recreational trails. We are experts at building and maintaining trails suitable for all trail users- we can build trail significantly faster than government and often at a fraction of the cost - but we need sustainable revenue to continue this work.
If our proposal is successful, Albertans will experience two major benefits:
1. The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association and its member clubs will be fiscally sustainable and better able to plan for and manage OHV trail development and maintenance.
2. Trail users of all types will have more and better multi-use, managed recreational trails to enjoy. Designated trail systems offer safe, exciting rides for OHV owners, provide links between communities, and reduce or eliminate conflicts with landowners.
We appreciate that the Alberta Government has already provided AOHVA and its member clubs with project-specific funding to build multi-use recreational trails. We look forward to your continued support as you review our proposal with your colleagues.
Thank you.
xxxxxxxxx (Your name)
LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF TOURISM, PARKS & RECREATION
Your name
Address
Date
Hon. Cindy Ady
Minister
Alberta Tourism, Park & Recreation
#229 Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Re: SUPPORT OF ALBERTA OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE ASSOCIATION PROPOSAL TO GOVERNMENT DECEMBER 18, 2009
I am contacting you to indicate my support for the Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association proposal presented to the Alberta Government on December 18, 2009.
I am hoping you, as Minister of Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation, will also support this proposal.
The proposal presents two solutions to answer the long-term challenge to provide multi-use, managed recreational trails for the use of Albertans and their visitors:
1. Our primary solution is a request that the Alberta Government add a surcharge on OHV licenses with this money directed back to OHV trail development and maintenance. This surcharge (user fee) is most likely to be applied only to the OHV licenses for vehicles that will be used for recreational purposes on public land (provincial parks, crown land). Most of the OHVs ridden on private lands are already exempt from licensing, so would also be exempt from the surcharge.
2. Our proposal also asks for the government to establish a Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO) to manage these funds and oversee their allocation. The DAO could also take responsibility for trail infrastructure and liability.
The reasons for submitting this proposal are as follows:
1. The size and scope of trail projects has grown with the demand by Albertans for more and better recreational trails. It has become increasingly difficult for governments to build or fund trails, and for non-profit groups to build or manage them without funding.
2. The cost of building recreational trails has risen and new trail guidelines may raise the costs even further as requirements may be beyond the time and skills of volunteers.
3. Though AOHVA will continue to provide volunteer services, we can no longer complete these mega-trail projects without the aid of professionals and that requires sustainable revenue.
The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association and its member clubs are well positioned to meet the public’s demand for more and better recreational trails. We are experts at building and maintaining trails suitable for all trail users- we can build trail significantly faster than government and often at a fraction of the cost - but we need sustainable revenue to continue this work.
If our proposal is successful, Albertans will experience two major benefits:
1. The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association and its member clubs will be fiscally sustainable and better able to plan for and manage trail development and maintenance.
2. Trail users of all types will have more and better multi-use, managed recreational trails to enjoy. Designated trail systems offer safe, exciting rides for OHV owners, provide links between communities, and reduce or eliminate conflicts with landowners.
We appreciate that the Alberta Government has already provided AOHVA and its member clubs with project-specific funding to build multi-use recreational trails. We look forward to your continued support as you review our proposal with your colleagues.
Thank you.
xxxxxxxxx (Your name)
Nov 24, 2009
Thanks to all who attended the SGM on Nov. 22.
The AOHVA membership has made some sweeping changes to the Bylaws of the association and voted to change the representation to a regional model. The new board will meet shortly to elect a new executive and move the association forward
October 26, 2009
Response to recent W5 show/questions from the Industry
The following letter was referred to in the show but not much more than that. Many enthusiasts may be interested in the industries response to some of the issues mentioned in the show.
October 14, 2009
Derek Miller, Producer
CTV W5
9 Channel Nine Court
Scarborough, ON M1S 4B5
derek.miller@ctv.ca
Dear Derek,
During the W5 interview with Paula Todd, a document COHV was not familiar with was referenced. I agreed to review the document (Memorandum – CPSC Staff Response Regarding Follow-up Questions from Commissioner Moore after the June 15, 2006, ATV Safety Review Briefing) and respond accordingly. The information presented below represent the position of the COHV and its member companies.
Measuring Lateral Stability
While the industry wholly supports any effort that improves ATV rider safety we know that unlike pickup trucks, and four-wheel off-road utility vehicles, ATVs are rider active. This means that appropriate body movement by the rider is part of the system for maneuvering and controlling the vehicle over uneven off-road terrain. The rider-active nature of ATV operation, the broad range of terrain over which ATVs operate, and the lack of a verifiable correlation between accident occurrence and lateral stability coefficients for four-wheel ATVs preclude any conclusion that a lateral stability coefficient is an appropriate measure for determining ATV safety. In fact the CPSC came to a similar conclusion after completing their investigation into this matter. We believe you misstated the facts regarding the CPSC and the lateral stability measurement issue. You indicated the reason that the CPSC did not go forward with a lateral stability measurement was primarily because of a lack of funding to conduct further tests and that the "industry withdrew" information. The facts show that this is simply not true. The CPSC has twice reviewed this issue and found no correlation between rollover incidents and lateral stability measures that would support a mandatory static lateral stability requirement for fourwheel ATVs. When the CPSC terminated its Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to consider regulations for ATVs in 1991, the CPSC reported that it could not identify any modifications to the design of currently produced four wheel ATVs that would reduce injuries or deaths. In the Federal Register, the CPSC stated that further staff review found the vast majority of ATV-related deaths and injuries were due to operator behavior in violation of warned against behaviors. Also in the Federal Register notice, the CPSC states: "The staff examined the incident data to determine whether there was any statistical correlation between Kst, among other factors, and risk of injury….the staff analyzed incident and exposure data for information relating injury reduction to lateral stability criteria. In the report, "the staff concluded that it could not find that raising the minimum Kst level in the four-wheel ATV’s now on the market would have a measurable impact on the risk of injury." The notice goes on to state that "further data collection efforts would be difficult and costly to complete and would not likely lead to different conclusions."
As part of the voluntary standards developed pursuant to the consent decree – all ATV companies committed to the CPSC that they would not manufacture four-wheel ATV’s with a Kst value lower than .89 which was the lowest value of any ATV on the market at the time. However, again, none of the companies agreed that Kst or any other static lateral stability measure applies to a rider-active vehicle like an ATV.
CPSC "2006 Report"
In your interview with me, you claimed to have a 2006 report where the CPSC calls "for more investigation into lateral stability" and for industry to be "more concerned" about lateral stability. You have mischaracterized a staff response to one question from one CPSC Commissioner, Thomas Moore, as a "CPSC report" and an answer to one of dozens of questions as "the CPSC position that we need more investigation into lateral stability" and "calling repeatedly for industry to be more concerned" about lateral stability.
The document you provided and referenced is a "CPSC Staff Response Regarding Follow-up Questions from Commissioner Moore after the June 15, 2006 ATV Safety Review Briefing." This is simply an internal staff memorandum responding to specific questions from one Commissioner. It is in no way a "report" issued by the Commission itself. In fact, a notation on the bottom of the first page states, "Note: This document has not been reviewed or accepted by the Commission." Your characterization of this document as a CPSC or Commission "report" is explicitly contradicted by this statement.
In response to one question from Commissioner Moore, which noted that the current ATV voluntary standard had no lateral stability test, CPSC staff wrote that "the exploration of a lateral stability requirement should be considered." However, the staff then immediately went on to acknowledge, as the Agency has for more than 20 years, that such a requirement "would be an exceedingly complex task (due to the ATV rider-active feature and variable terrain, neither of which is experienced with an on-road four-wheeled vehicle where rider action is not a factor and the vehicle operates on an engineered surface)" and that "[t]he effort would require extensive testing and evaluation with the cooperation of the CPSC, industry and other private sector entities." It is also important to note that, contrary to your suggestion, the staff did not state that such a lateral stability requirement should be higher than the currently agreed upon minimum Kst level of 0.89.
You further indicate that the document makes a "direct link" between injuries and lateral stability. This is false. The response to Commissioner Moore simply states that "roughly 45% of [ATV accidents] involve tip-over, with one half of these being in the lateral direction." On the first page of the memorandum, the staff wrote that it could not find a single factor associated with injuries and deaths saying, "Because most of the ATV deaths and injuries that the staff examined were associated with a combination of factors, including one or more instances of warned-against behaviors, it would be difficult to ascertain whether an incident would have occurred in the absence of a single factor."
It is important to note that the actual staff briefing package for the ATV safety initiative makes no reference to a lateral stability standard and that no satisfactory test has been developed for lateral stability. The Commission staff simply "encourages the industry to continue to pursue an accurate and reliable test for lateral stability."
In summary, the CPSC is not "calling for more investigation" into a lateral stability requirement, has not "called repeatedly for industry to be more concerned" about the lateral stability of ATVs, and has found no "link" between lateral stability and risk of injury. While the CPSC staff indicates that the industry should keep trying to develop a lateral stability test, it acknowledges that establishing a lateral stability requirement would be extremely complex and would require a major effort by the CPSC and other private sector entities as well as the industry. As important, the CPSC has never found a correlation between lateral stability and ATV injuries.
Sincerely,
Original signed by
Bob Ramsay
President
Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV)
September 20, 2009
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Module 4 Webinar Now Available for registration via the NOHVCC website Registration is available for 3 sessions of the fourth and final module of the series
The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is pleased to announce the schedule of the fourth and final module of their Public Land Advocacy webinar series. This 4-part series is designed to assist government agency personnel, OHV enthusiasts, and other interested parties with creating and maintaining sustainable OHV trails.
And best of all, due to funding provided by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association as well as the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Program, this webinar series is free to you.
The fourth module is entitled, Making It Work. This module ties all of the previous modules together and gives concrete examples of where the principles that have been given during the first 3 modules work. It also helps enthusiasts work with their land managers and helps move us forward towards sustainable OHV trail systems while working within the processes.
The other three modules are: · The first module, Route Designation: How did we get here? will give enthusiasts a look at how the forest service designates routes, their structure, and their planning process. · The second module, System Trail Planning – Part 1 covers the basic principles of trail management, called the 4Es, and will go into details regarding building trails of OHV recreation that are environmentally sound and sustainable · The third module, System Trail Planning – Part 2 starts with a quick overview of STP part 1. It then covers the details of trail maintenance, monitoring, and signing in more depth.
The workshop modules were developed in cooperation with the American Motorcyclist Association, BlueRibbon Coalition, Motorcycle Industry Council, Off-Road Business Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and United Four Wheel Drive Associations.
For more information and to register for our webinar sessions, go to www.nohvcc.org or call 800-348-6487.
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The ATV Safety Institute now offers a suite of free interactive online safety courses on its website, www.atvsafety.org.
The ASI ATV Safety Online courses are custom-designed for adults, teens (12 to 15 years old) and youths (6 to 11 years old). The adult e-course also includes tips and advice for parents and guardians to coach and supervise youth throughout their ongoing learning process.
“With a simple keystroke ATV enthusiasts can interact with our online courses in preparation to taking one of our half-day, hands-on ATV RiderCourses,” Paul Vitrano, executive VP of the ASI, said in a press release. “Or they can use the e-courses to refresh what they learned during a RiderCourse they may have taken recently or even years ago. Our focus is on offering a total learning experience to help achieve rider safety for young and old, experienced and inexperienced riders, and we realize how critical a role the Internet plays in the educational process for most Americans today.”
Vitrano cited the recently released 2008 Motorcycle Industry Council Study that revealed a sharp increase in Internet usage among ATV owners and riders. This shift in computer use reportedly provided strong support toward ASI developing more safety educational opportunities online.
Each self-paced ATV Safety Online course generally runs about two hours and focuses on ASI’s Golden Rules and the fundamentals of the ATV itself and riding, with an emphasis on risk management and avoidance. The online courses include real-riding-experience videos from a rider’s point of view, animation and interactive learning exercises and quizzes to self-test knowledge gained. Users can bookmark the courses for easy return access.
“The youth e-course has features that make learning fun and interesting and keeps kids engaged, but it’s also designed so that parents supervise and participate in the online experience, just like we emphasize when they actually ride together,” Vitrano said.
To engage teenagers and children 6 to 11 years of age even more, the ASI e-courses are introduced by avid ATV riders Christopher and Kyle Massey, stars of the Disney Channel TV shows “Zoey 101,” “That’s So Raven” and “Cory in the House.” Their mother, Angel Massey, implores parents and guardians in the adult e-course to supervise their children while riding, as she does when riding with Christopher and Kyle
July 1, 2009
The Economy
Every day the news is filled with more stories about plant closures, layoffs, declining property values, plummeting retail store sales, etc. Practically every aspect of our national economy is affected by the economic downturn. These are discouraging times for many of our neighbors, friends, and family members. This uncertainty makes the times all the more stressful, but especially so for those with young families.
All of us are learning to do more with less. Some are better at it than others, but we are all learning because we have to. Rather than taking long vacations, many families are taking day-long trips. Those of you who are fortunate enough to live relatively close to public lands can access these areas at little or no cost. Take advantage of this by taking your kids for a day of exploring. Tear them away from the television set or the computer and insist that they spend a day with you hiking, OHV riding or boating. All of you will be healthier for it, both physically and emotionally, and in the process you will strengthen family ties.
Vacations don't have to be expensive. Devoting one day a week outdoors with the family will make a world of difference in facing the challenges ahead.
2009 Willmore Wilderness Foundation Grizzly Bear Survey
The Willmore Wilderness Foundation conducted a survey in 2008 of grizzly bear sightings and surprise, surprise, their numbers were much higher than the select scientific community were coming up with. The survey results have been forwarded to government for their reaction.
The WWF is once again doing this survey in 2009. The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association has committed to helping them garner this valuable information. If you see a grizzly bear, document the following:
-Where the bear was sighted. What were the landmarks?
- Number of bear (s)
- colour of bear (s)
- activities of bruin
- GPS coordinate if possible
- was there a collar or ear tag?
- Collect DNA sample (after people have been trained.)
- Please provide pictures if possible
- Send data to info@willmorewilderness.com
- please provide your name and contact information.
BUT do NOT put yourself or the bear in jeopardy just to get the information. Get as much as you can but stay safe – for your sake and the bear’s!!
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The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today announced that the Government of Canada will invest $25 million in Canada's trail infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Funding will be used by the National Trails Coalition to build and renew multi-purpose trails for walking, running, cross country skiing, biking, ATVs, and snowmobiles. This will create jobs and leaving a lasting legacy of pristine trails that will benefit Canadians for years to come. "Our Government sees this investment as a win for our national trails system, a win for everyone that uses healthy living space, and a win for job creation and investment in communities," said Minister of State Lunn. "By providing safe and easy access to healthy living sites, like biking, walking, and snowmobiling trails, our Government is working to ensure that all Canadians benefit from their natural surroundings and have the opportunity to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle." Today’s announcement will provide funding to projects that are ready to break ground in the 2009–2010 construction seasons. These projects will invest money in local and rural regions, create jobs, and increase opportunities for tourism, at a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest. The Government's contribution will be matched by the National Trails Coalition, a joint venture, made up of the following non-profit organizations: Canadian Trails Foundation, Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council. "Together the National Trails Coalition represents thousands of Canadians who enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to the support of our Federal Government, all Canadians will be able to enjoy safe, well-maintained trails right across the country," said Terry Norman, spokesperson for the National Trails Coalition.
The Government of Canada Invests $25 Million to Increase NORTH VANCOUVER, March 6, 2009 –
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COHV Launches Multi-Media Youth ATV Safety Teaching ToolsThe Canadian Off-Highway Vehicles Distributors Council (COHV) and the All-Terrain Vehicles Federation of New Brunswick (NBATV) introduced the new Adventure Trails interactive CD and activity book to be used by ATV Clubs, law enforcement, safety organizations, schools and the general public as the most innovative and effective way to teach young ATV riders the rules around riding safely. “Studies show that with proper legislation including mandatory size limitations and adult supervision, it is safe and it is responsible to allow youth to ride age appropriate youth-sized ATV’s and off-road motorcycles,” stated Bob Ramsay, President of the COHV. “The introduction of this CD and activity book is just one more tool for us to help reach our youth and their parents in our efforts to ensure that everyone enjoys safe family recreation.” Read complete press release here... Read backgrounder here... |
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New recreational rules introduced for Willow Creek area (Indian Graves)Recent destructive and irresponsible behavior in the Willow Creek area 120 km southwest of Calgary has prompted the Alberta government to introduce new recreational rules for the area under a Forest Land Use Zone (FLUZ). Visitors to Willow Creek this long weekend are asked to note the new rules:
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Alberta’s Land-use Framework – if you really care get informed!There is a process in train, or perhaps more accurately a train in process, that will impact us all when it comes to how public lands are managed and accessed. We must participate and let our views be known. There is a 41 page booklet available on the above site that provides background and I recommend that you read it to get up to speed. But, if you haven't time or enough passion about your access to read it and the companion 15 page Workbook questionnaire I will try to help a bit. Read more here... |
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New fines for offences on forested public lands.It will cost more for those who ignore the laws when they set out to enjoy a weekend of recreation in the woods. Now in effect, fines will increase for offences such as improper waste disposal, careless use of an off-highway vehicle or starting an open fire in or near a Forest Recreation Area. Read more here... |
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Canadians Spent $3.3 Billion on Direct Activities Involving ATVs in 2005Toronto – An economic impact study commissioned by The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle |
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The Mountain Pine Beetle continues its attack on Alberta ForestsTo learn more about how the Alberta Government is dealing with this menace and how it will affect our trails |
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