Empowering Kids for a Motorized Future

YOUTH IS THE FUTURE OF MOTORIZED OUTDOOR RECREATION

LET'S GET THEM OUTSIDE!

 By Del Albright

Kids in the outdoors -- such a crucial part of the future of outdoor recreation. The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club and about every other enviro/eco organization has a focused youth program designed to get kids outside with an indoctrination towards protecting, preserving but not really "using" our resources. Look but don't really touch. 

Then those of us who love motors and exploring by vehicle have to compete with electronics, video games, ear buds, pods and pads, We have a few OHV groups with great programs for kids, for sure! But I don't think nearly enough. We have to find ways to empower our children to enjoy, use smartly, conserve wisely, appreciate, and yet be able to ensure a future of access for all. 

There is a difference in youth involvement between the various motorized sports.  Dirt bikers get their kids on a machine nearly as soon as the little one can walk.  Hero-worship sets in early for motorbikers too, as their sport is full of champions, races, and heroes.  Plus, the kids can go out and ride before they have a license.

Four-wheelers have a different path for kids.  The kids get to ride; a few might drive under careful supervision in controlled circumstances, but for the most part, for a kid, it's being an "observer" rather than a participant. That doesn't invoke the same commitment and enthusiasm for the sport as a dirt biking kid.

So we have to fin ways to empower our kids, treat them to fun, and show them the excitement, while teaching them our common sense ways of using public lands.    You can good samples of kids programs at http://www.nohvcc.org, http://www.treadlightly.org; and other big associations.  Just do a search and see what you come up with for your kids.

If you were to share a group with a great kids/youth program, who would that be?

Article: The Future is Calling

Please feel free to use this article (land use and access) if you want, and are OHV friendly. I would appreciate a link or a copy if you do decide to use it. A nice photo accompanies this if you’d like it as well (just let me know).
Thanks, Del
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The Future Is Calling.
Who will be there to answer?

By Del Albright, BlueRibbon Coalition Ambassador

Activists in off-road recreation seem to be an aging group – no offense intended. Many of us are “gray hairs” and many are working so hard that “burnout” may cause some premature aging. I worry that not enough young folks are taking up the torch and carrying the flame. When the future calls, will we have folks there to answer?

I was enjoying the business of an annual convention recently of the Calif. Assoc. of 4WD Clubs when I noticed long-time activist Jim Bramham (featured in accompanying photo) sitting nearby with his grandson, Oscar (2 and 1/2 years old). I swung the camera towards Oscar and said, “Hello.” Upon hearing those familiar words, Oscar picked up his play calculator like it was a telephone and answered me back. Cute.

Read more and download this article in WORD or Adobe (.pdf) here.
Del

More on Kids Ban on OHV's -- Still Alive

Don Amador, The General, is still asking us for help on this kids ban (lead) on OHV's. We need to keep up the pressure and public involvement. Our kids will be banned from OHV's if we don't.
REad and subscribe to the General's Blog: http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/

thanks for helping out.
Del

Stop the Ban on Kids on OHV’s

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Attention BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

HELP STOP THE FEBRUARY 10TH BAN ON YOUTH OHVS

On February 10, 2009, a new law regulating lead content in certain products will go into effect. This could adversely affect companies that manufacture or distribute youth model all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles. Dealers that sell and service those products would be impacted as well.

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) have urgently requested the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and federal legislators to take a common sense approach to implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act's lead provisions.

SVIA and MIC have announced their intention to join several of their member companies in filing petitions with the CPSC for emergency relief from the provisions. They are also seeking a temporary final rule to exempt ATV and motorcycle parts in order to avoid major disruptions to enthusiasts, to the member companies' businesses, and to the companies' dealer network of thousands of small, independent businesses, which employ tens of thousands of Americans.

Go here for more and a sample letter: http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=934

Thanks for your help on this important issue,

Del