To: All Trail Patrol Ambassadors, WATVA members, WATVA Dealers & Associated Businesses



Please spread the word that the Light Utility Vehicle (a.k.a. Side x Side and/or UTV) pilot test program is now underway. Also note that Marinette County also requires a special LUV sticker, those details would be available on that county’s web site or with local county contacts. Also note that state registration is mandatory although no state fee is required at this time. Registration information is in the press release below.



For all “Ride Smart” Trail Patrol Ambassador’s, we have a special Trail Ambassador survey form available to you, designed for those patrollers who wish to patrol in the counties that are participating in the LUV pilot test. Our goal as patrollers is to gather as much data from the traditional ATV riders who interact with the LUV riders, as well as LUV riders themselves and to use this data to help assess the test results.



We can e-mail the surveys or we can mail you hard copies. They are fairly short and easy to use……please let the NOHVIS and Rider Network office know if you want hard copies or electronic ones.



Also see the second release about the ATV Internet Safety Course now being available. This should help alleviate some of the backlog we have with our out of state visitors who have young riders that need safety certification but have a tough time scheduling it because of distances.



Ride Smart – Get Involved & Tell Others to do the same!



Randy


Lightweight Utility Vehicles temporary allowed on ATV trails
Five northern counties to host pilot program

MADISON – Lightweight utility vehicles -- also known as LUVs, UTVs or side by sides -- are now temporarily allowed on certain all-terrain vehicle trails in northern Wisconsin. Lincoln, Washburn, Sawyer, Florence and Marinette counties have elected to enroll in the LUV Pilot Program, which ends on Sept. 30, 2009.

“Members of the public interested in operating LUVs within these counties, need to visit the individual county's Web site or contact the county Forestry Department for all rules and regulations. Each county should have an online registration, which is required for each county you operate in; registration is free. Additional information or trail sticker requirements should also be reviewed with each county,” said Gary Eddy, all-terrain vehicle administrator for the state Department of Natural Resources. “The counties will regulate how and where LUVs will operate on their trails and routes.”

Passed as part of the 2007-09 State Budget, the pilot program is to be administered by the DNR -- in consultation with the Department of Transportation -- to evaluate use and effects of operating lightweight utility vehicles on all-terrain vehicle trails and routes.

“After the pilot program ends, the DNR will review the data gathered during the program, consult with the counties and then forward the results to the legislature,” Eddy said, “If things go well, the DNR will evaluate whether a statewide registration program is appropriate for these vehicles.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Eddy, All-Terrain Vehicle Administrator, (608) 267-7455 or Karl Brooks, DNR Law Enforcement - (608) 266-7820



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Internet ATV safety course now available

MADISON – Operators of all terrain vehicles (ATV) now have a convenient online method to receive ATV Safety Certification through an Internet Web page introduced by the state Department of Natural Resources.

“This should prove very beneficial to young adult operators and out-of-state operators who need ATV Safety Certification," said Gary Eddy, DNR all-terrain vehicle administrator.

All operators at least age 12 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete an ATV Safety Certification course in order to operate on public ATV trails and areas in Wisconsin.

“The internet course may not be for everyone. Parents will have to gauge whether an internet course is the best fit for their child. For some students, young and old, a classroom course with instructors and hands-on learning may be a better fit," said Eddy.

Both courses provide basic information on how to operate an ATV safely and responsibly, but they don't make you an expert rider.

The Internet course is available at [www.offroad-ed.com/wi]. Check the DNR’s Upcoming Recreational Safety Education Classes Web page to find classroom courses available around the state.

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=116#art11

Students must continue to practice what they've learned in their ATV Safety Course and parents need to reinforce what has been taught."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Eddy, All-Terrain Vehicle Administrator, (608) 267-7455 or Karl Brooks, DNR Law Enforcement - (608) 266-7820