ATV Safety Institute to Introduce Two-Part ATV RiderCourse

Lucas Cooney
by Lucas Cooney
The ATV Safety Institute (ASI) will begin delivering a new version of its internationally-recognized ATV RiderCourse in select states this year.

Leveraging ASI’s ATV e-Course online education program, organizers hope the new ATV RiderCourse will reach more riders because students will have the flexibility of taking half the course in their homes and at their own pace. A new riding skills development component complements the knowledge and judgment obtained online.

The first part is the ATV e-Course, which requires about two hours to complete and focuses on general ATV knowledge and riding fundamentals as well as the ASI’s Golden Rules, which you can see below the jump.

Students choose one of three age-appropriate modules, which include riding-experience videos from a first-person point of view, animation, and interactive learning exercises and quizzes to self-test knowledge gained. Users can bookmark the course, take a break at any time and resume later from where they left off.

After completing the e-Course, the riding component teaches students riding skills on a controlled training range. Riders will learn about pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping and swerving, riding over obstacles, protective gear, local regulations, places to ride and environmental concerns.

“The commitment of the member companies of the ATV Safety Institute is reflected in the continued expansion of our rider education initiatives,” says Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “Since 1984, the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs in the United States have worked closely to provide training options that reflect the needs of ATV enthusiasts and foster the safe and responsible use of ATVs. Incorporating technology to encourage more participation by reducing time away from home was a natural evolution for the ATV RiderCourse.”

Visit ATVSafety.org for more information on the ATV RiderCourse.

ASI’s Golden Rules:


* Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.


* Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law – another vehicle * could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway.


* Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.


* Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people.


* Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.


* Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.


* Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.


* Take the ATV RiderCourse and the free online e-Course.

Lucas Cooney
Lucas Cooney

I have been working exclusively in digital media since 1997. I started out with TSN.ca, spending nearly nine years creating and editing content on Canada's leading sports website. I left to join VerticalScope, Inc., one of the world's largest online publishers, to start a number of powersports publications. While at VerticalScope, I've helped create and oversee content for a wide variety of different publications, including ATV.com, Off-Road.com, ArcheryTalk.com, Tractor.com, RVGuide.com, and many more.

More by Lucas Cooney

Next