Local youths completed Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ATV safety training in May. Coming out to take the field test on a misty, cold spring day were (L-R, front) Levi Sheils, Chase Bronikowski, Andrew Miller, Connor Somnis. (L-R, back) David Blackburn, Madysen McKeever, Sela Backstrom, Krissy Backstrom.
Anyone born after July 1, 1987 who operates an ATV on public lands in Minnesota must successfully complete the independent study ATV Safety Training CD course. Youth ages 11-15 must complete the ATV CD Course and riding component before riding on public lands. According to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers, it’s not only the law; it’s a good idea. The DNR and the Cook County ATV Club want everyone to ride safely, which is why they collaborate to offer Youth ATV Safety, which was held this year on May 15 and May 18.
Students complete the course through CD at home and then have classroom review and a written test and then a field test. Only eight youths took part this year, which was a bit disappointing to instructors. “We congratulate them but hope to see more kids next year,” said DNR volunteer Chuck Silence, adding, “but we will do this if only one kid turns out. If this helps one kid be a safe rider, it’s worth it.”
Longtime Safety Instructor Dick Parker agreed, reiterating what he has said every year. “Statistics show that 47 percent of all persons involved in ATV accidents are in their teens, 10-19 years old. The major cause of accidents is rollovers and hitting fixed objects. Speed is frequently the cause,” said Parker.
“That’s why it is so important to catch kids when they are young to teach them about safe and ethical riding.”
The students completing the training this year were Madysen McKeever, Andrew Miller, David Blackburn, Krissy Backstrom, Sela Backstrom, Connor Somnis, Chase Bronikowski and Levi Sheils.
Instructors were Conservation Officers Mary Manning, Tom Wahlstrom, and Darin Fagerman and volunteer instructors Chuck Silence, Gideon Silence and Dick Parker.
Steve’s Sports in Grand Marais donated the use of the ATVs for the field test.
The Cook County ATV Club provides scholarships for the $10 fee for families that cannot afford the class, gives the successful students an ATV Club T-shirt and sponsors a pizza party after the field test. This pizza party is always a hit and gives kids, parents, volunteer instructors, and DNR Conservation Officers the opportunity to get to know one another.
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