| LEDUC, ALBERTA ATV safety training a must for youngsters RidersWest's Dwayne Brandly helped run an ATV Children's Safety Course and discovered Alberta's need for this program by DWAYNE BRANDLY
On May 11, 2006, Center Point Performance, RR#1 Leduc, Alberta, put on the first ATV Children's Safety Course for this year. Eight excited youngsters between the ages of four and six years old quickly filled the course when it was first advertised. Dwayne Brandly from RidersWest magazine was there and helped the instructor, Tara Skolney, put the kids through their paces. The kids learned why helmets, goggles, boots, gloves and long sleeves and pants are important. They also learned the parts of a quad, how to start and stop the motor and what to do when they get off the quad as well as safety rules. They were provided with an exercise book with all the information and spaces to draw out what they learn. Even a snack was provided at the end. Then the real fun begins. They go outside and get to PRACTICE riding a quad over a pre-set course. They must drive to a stop sign and safely stop, then driveto a plastic truck and stop again. Then they get to drive around the outside of the course, learning to balance and steer the quad while going over small hills and dips. This exercise gets more complex depending on the age of the riders. They are taught to properly and lightly, use the throttle, to balance and to look around for things that can get in their way. I talked to the kids at the end and they all said they had a great time and learned a lot about quads. They were excited to get home and tell their parents what they had learned and I suspect to go riding as well. The children provide their own riding equipment, such as helmet and safety gear, and receive a completion certificate from Center Point. Quads are provided by Center Point Performance. Depending on the ages of the participants, the course runs approximately two hours with part classroom time and plenty of riding time. Tarais the daughter of Lauraand Larry Skolney,owners of Center Point Performance, a 'reliable motor sports and equipment parts, sales and service' centre since 1991. They are located just west of Leduc and provide service and repair to all makes of ATVs, snowmobiles and motorbikes as well as a complete line of clothing and parts. They can be reached at www.centerpointperformance.com or 780 985-2747.
The course was developed by Tara two years ago when she recognized a need in the ATV community. She quickly found there is only one other children's safety course being offered, which is in southern Alberta, and yet children are being allowed to ride ATVs with little or no safety training. This course provides a measure of confidence and safety knowledge for the youngsters and the parents. From what I understand, there is a need for this type of course in Alberta and for establishment of standards and teaching certification to be set by the province for public instructors. Perhaps the OHV dealers might consider pursuing this as they are selling quads for recreational use. Hmm... food for thought. Ride safely now and enjoy our great summertime outdoors.
May 2007 Camps Youth ATV Safety Courses 5:30-7:30 May 10 - 4-6yrs May 24 - 7-10yrs May 31 - 11-14 Call for more info 780 985 2747
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