ATV/UTV Riders: Wherever You Ride, Ride Safe and UPCOMING EVENTS.

ATV/UTV Riders: Wherever You Ride, Ride Safe

Riders of all ages are encouraged to operate at a safe speed and within their abilities, ensure the operator and all passengers wear helmets and seatbelts and ride sober. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Some beautiful weather is in the forecast for the coming week, and ATV/UTV riders around Wisconsin can surely hear the trails calling!

Those looking to get out and ride this weekend are reminded to think smart before they start by following safety best practices and operating responsibly wherever they ride, including on private lands.

Fatal crashes happen on private lands each year, with one fatal UTV crash on private property already in 2024 and six ATV/UTV fatal crashes on private property in 2023.

Over the last five years, 70% of fatal crashes involving operators or passengers under the age of 18 took place on private lands. Lack of helmets, not using seatbelts in UTVs and inexperience are among the top factors in these crashes.

Riders of all ages are encouraged to operate at a safe speed and within their abilities, ensure the operator and all passengers wear helmets and seatbelts and ride sober.

Additionally, Wisconsin law requires ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for an ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) to complete a safety certification course if riding on public lands, roads or another person’s property with permission. Courses can be taken online or in person. A list of approved safety education classes is available on the DNR Safety Education webpage.

Youth riders are not required to complete an ATV safety course if riding on property owned by their immediate family, but it’s still a good idea to take one.

Here are a few more safety tips to keep in mind when operating your off-highway vehicles:

• Remember, no ice is 100% safe. Warmer than usual winter temperatures have created hazardous ice conditions, and extra caution is necessary.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.
• Always wear a DOT-approved helmet.
• Always wear a seatbelt in a UTV.
• Do not travel in unfamiliar areas.
• Let someone not riding with you know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Follow all posted speed limits and regulatory signs.
• Double-check before operating on trails.

Wisconsin law requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident to law enforcement officials without delay. Operators must submit a written report to the DNR within 10 days of the incident.

For more information about ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s ATV/UTV Riding in Wisconsin webpage.

Upcoming Events

Frosty Falls Hike
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at Willow River State Park
10 a.m. – noon

Join us on a wintery walk to Willow Falls. This is a spectacular time of year for viewing the frost-covered falls. But don’t just take our word for it; get out there and see for yourself!

This will be a 4-mile round-trip hike. Depending on the weather and depth of snow, it can be considered moderately strenuous with some hilly/rugged terrain. Be sure to dress in warm layers, bring plenty of water and waterproof hiking boots with ice cleats or snowshoes.

If you’d like to rent snowshoes ($7/per pair) for this event, call 715-869-3695 or email [email protected] at least two days prior to your visit to check availability.

This event is free, but vehicle admission into the park is required. Donations are welcome and make our programming possible.

Candlelight Ski And Hike
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at Brule River State Forest
5 – 8 p.m.

Join us for our annual Candlelight Event at Afterhours Trail. We will be lighting 1km of hike/snowshoe only, 1.5 km short ski and 5 km long ski trail sections this year. Coffee, cocoa and cider refreshments will be provided. A grill will be available if attendees would like to cook out on their own.

Nature Storytime: Box Turtles
Friday, March 1, 2024 at Interstate Park
10 – 11 a.m.

Let’s follow the journey of a box turtle in William T. George’s book, “Box Turtle at Long Pond.”

Volunteer Kathy Scharfenberg leads Nature Storytime, which includes a short story and fun activities. Recommended for children ages 3 – 5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as some activities might be outside.

This event will be held in the Ice Age Center.

Survival Without A Smartphone 101
Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at Willow River State Park
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Smartphones are great. They do a lot for us, no doubt, but they won’t help you if you get lost in the wild. Reception and battery power are not guaranteed, but your ability to survive without it can be.

Join us at the Nature Center and learn about compass and map reading, fire-making, shelter building and more in a friendly, relaxed environment! Children ages 12 and up are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. This program will last between 2.5 – 3 hours.

Please register online.

**This event costs $5/person (cash or card) in support of our nonprofit’s mission.

Vehicle admission into the park is required. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.

Find more upcoming events on the DNR’s Event Calendar.