---

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Safety and Responsible Recreation Resources

OHV Safety Week is an annual national initiative — typically held in June — designed to promote safe, responsible, and respectful OHV recreation. Its main purpose is to raise awareness among riders, families, and the public about the importance of following safety rules, respecting trails, and protecting the environment.

by American Trails Staff

OHV Safety Week 2026 will take place from June 13 to June 21, offering free training and safety resources nationwide to promote safe and responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. This national initiative encourages riders, families, and community partners to learn about and practice safe recreation on OHVs.

There are many ways to participate in OHV Safety Week, including joining free training sessions and sharing safety tips in your community. Activities for 2026 will feature free ATV safety classes at various training sites across the U.S. and resources created by the industry to promote safe riding. Practicing safe OHV usage helps protect riders, bystanders, and the environment. By taking classes, following rules, and sharing safety tips, participants play a vital role in preserving trails for future generations.

This year’s campaign emphasizes the importance of wearing appropriate riding gear, such as helmets, gloves, and protective clothing. It also highlights the need for ROV drivers and passengers to buckle up, respect trails and land-use rules, and follow safe practices for ATVs, dirt bikes, ROVs, and 4x4s.

Various organizations can help you access training, safety resources, advocacy tools, and networking opportunities to enhance your OHV experience while protecting trails and public lands. Across the country, countless OHV clubs provide opportunities to meet fellow riders, discover local trails, and contribute to the preservation of OHV areas. You can find a club through statewide associations, regional, or state-specific websites. 

---

American Trails Webinars

American Trails works on behalf of all trail interests, including OHV-related advocacy. American Trails currently offers several webinars related to OHV safety. Whether you are managing trails, advocating for responsible recreation, or engaging OHV enthusiasts, these webinars are your ticket to powerful tools and messaging that promote safe and fun riding for all!

OHV Safety Week: Promoting Responsible Recreation Through Free Training, Tools, and Safety Messaging. Learn how to use industry-developed tools and resources to help promote safe, responsible OHV recreation.

Powersports Industry Provides Free "Safe and Responsible Use" Tools and Messaging. Learn about the many ways you can help promote OHV safety and responsible riding practices on trails and the resources that are available to OHV enthusiasts.

Connecting Communities with Motorized Trails. This webinar will detail the journey of the Southwest Wyoming Off-Road Trails Project to connect Wyoming communities with motorized trails.

---

National OHV Organizations

National OHV organizations are nonprofit groups dedicated to promoting, protecting, and supporting responsible OHV recreation across the country. They connect clubs, associations, and agencies, offering resources, training, and advocacy to keep public and private lands open for motorized off-road activities. In essence, these organizations serve as hubs for education, advocacy, and teamwork, ensuring OHV recreation stays accessible, safe, and sustainable for generations to come.

Looking for resources? We’ve put together a list of some of the leading organizations in the industry:

Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA)
ARRA was formed to ensure that Americans are not arbitrarily denied the right to responsibly experience and enjoy the public lands that belong to the citizens of the United States. The members of ARRA, which include horseback riders, personal watercraft users, off-highway vehicle and snowmobile riders, and vacationing families, have joined together to provide input on decisions regarding land-use designation, recreation opportunities, and preservation. Its members seek responsible consideration of competing activities based on sound environmental principles.

ATV Safety Institute (ASI)
ASI's primary goal is to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents and injuries that may result from improper ATV operation by the rider.

American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)
While primarily a motorcycling organization, AMA covers ATV issues and news, offering advocacy and community resources.

American Sand Association (ASA)
ASA represents 35,000 members and works to keep California’s Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area open for OHV use, offering dune safety education and mobilization.

American Trails
American Trails works on behalf of all trail interests, including OHV-related advocacy. 

BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC)
Since 1987, the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) has fought to preserve recreation access to America’s public lands. Serving members in all 50 states, BRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit driven by grassroots energy. We work across all outdoor recreation sectors—4x4, ATV, snowmobiling, UTV, public watercraft, e‑biking, and more—to ensure every adventure is possible.

We’re among the few national groups with a storied history of defending access in court—including a U.S. Supreme Court victory— to preserve recreation on public lands.

Go Snowmobiling
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and the four manufacturers of snowmobiles, Arctic Cat, Bombardier Recreational Products (Ski-Doo), Polaris Industries, and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA., created the Go Snowmobiling campaign to highlight snowmobiling as a fun, family activity.

Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC)
The MIC is a national trade association that represents manufacturers, distributors, and allied trades in the motorcycle industry, promoting growth, safety, and innovation.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)
The MSF is the country’s leading safety resource and advocate for motorcyclists. We create world-class education and training systems for riders of every experience level. We raise public awareness of motorcycling to promote a safe riding environment.

National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)
NOHVCC is a national body of OHV recreation enthusiasts that develops programs, materials, and “tools” to help clubs, associations, and agencies build sustainable trails and promote responsible riding. It offers training events like the Great Trails Workshops, educational resources, and state partner networks. 

Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA)
ROHVA promotes the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) manufactured or distributed in North America. It provides safety rules, training, and advocacy  

Right Rider Access Fund
A charitable organization supporting OHV organizations with funding for safety, education, and training initiatives, as well as projects to expand riding opportunities.

Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). SVIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safe and responsible use of ATVs through education, advocacy, and safety standards.

Tread Lightly!
Tread Lightly! offers educational programs, training, and materials to promote environmental responsibility in recreation. It provides downloadable ATV safety ads and posters.

USOHV Alliance (United States). A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to OHV education and trail stewardship across the U.S. It supports responsible riding, organizes events, and advocates for trail protection.

State-Level OHV Organizations

State-level OHV organizations are key to promoting responsible riding, trail stewardship, and education within each state. They often work with state agencies, local clubs, and the public to ensure OHV recreation is safe, sustainable, and enjoyable. Here are a few examples of State-Level OHV Organizations:

National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC). While national in scope, NOHVCC partners with state-level organizations to provide education, assistance, and engagement opportunities. Its “Find a Local Organization” tool lets you search for state-specific OHV groups.

Off-Road Nevada. The state’s official OHV program offers registration, trail maps, education, and a grant program for OHV users. It promotes “Ride Smart. Respect Trails.” and provides resources for planning rides.

Stay the Trail - Colorado (STTC)
STTC offers educational services and materials to land management agencies, OHV and OHV accessory dealers, educational and community institutions, and the general public. Our services include trailhead and event staffing, as well as classroom, conference, and meeting presentations. We also provide educational materials.

Washington Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance (WOHVA). WOHVA is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Auburn, WA, dedicated to protecting, promoting, and maintaining responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use across the state. It is a volunteer-driven alliance that works with land managers, OHV clubs, businesses, and individuals to ensure continued access to trails and recreational areas.

State Agency Programs. Many states have OHV programs under their Department of Transportation, Parks, or Forest Service. For example, the USDA Forest Service Off-Highway Vehicle Program provides maps, best practices, safety tips, safety guidance, and volunteer opportunities. The Bureau of Land Management also manages OHV use on public lands. BLM offers maps, best practices, and safety tips.

---

Major National Snowmobile Organizations in the U.S.

Snowmobiles are considered a type of OHV, and in many states, they are included in the same safety education requirements as other OHVs, such as ATVs and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). These organizations serve complementary roles: ACSA and USA focus on advocacy, trail access, and community engagement, while ISMA represents the industry and promotes safety and economic awareness. Together, they provide a comprehensive network supporting snowmobiling enthusiasts, manufacturers, and state-level associations across the U.S.

American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA)
ACSA unites the snowmobile community to promote snowmobiling as a safe, fun, and environmentally friendly family sport. It advocates for public trail funding, supports riders through programs like the Next Gen National Riders Program, and hosts events such as the International Snowmobile. 

American Snowmobile Association (ASA). ASA is a national organization dedicated to safety, education, events, and advocacy in the snowmobiling community. It serves as a hub for riders to learn responsible riding practices, access sanctioned events, and help preserve snowmobile trails.

International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
ISMA represents the four major snowmobile manufacturers (Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris, Yamaha) and provides industry statistics, safety resources, and public awareness campaigns. It also promotes the economic impact of snowmobiling and organizes events like International Snowmobile Day.

National Ski Areas Association (NSAA)
While primarily focused on ski areas, NSAA also supports mountain recreation, including snowmobiling, through education, sustainability programs, and industry advocacy. It offers resources for operators and members interested in snowmobile-related activities.

United Snowmobile Alliance (USA)
USA is dedicated to preserving and promoting environmentally responsible organized snowmobiling. It works with state associations, supports safety initiatives, and engages in national and international advocacy for motorized trail protection. 

---

Rider Safety Tips and Guides

ATV safety training is crucial for safe operation and is offered through online eCourses, hands-on RiderCourses, and state-approved programs for both recreational and occupational use.

Before heading out, riders should familiarize themselves with state-specific Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) laws and local trail regulations to avoid fines, vehicle impoundment, or restricted access.

Tips & Practice Guide for the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Rider. The purpose of this booklet is to answer your questions about All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and help you increase your knowledge of their operation and use. ATV Safety Institute (ASI)

Parents, Youngsters & All-Terrain Vehicles. This booklet contains additional information and guidelines that can help make ATV riding a safe and enjoyable family experience. ATV Safety Institute (ASI)

Ride Safe, Ride Smart: For All ATV Riders. This seven-minute video demonstrates the importance of getting a proper start in ATV riding, whether you ride ATVs for recreation or for business.  The family profiled in the video understands that while ATVs are fun, the activity needs to be approached with a safety-first attitude, and they follow the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules to help them get the most out of every ATV adventure. ATV Safety Institute (ASI)

Tips Guide for the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) Driver. Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) operate and handle differently from other vehicles, such as ATVs and motorcycles. Proper instruction and practice are important. Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA).

Guide for the Off-Highway Motorcyclist. The information contained in this publication is offered for the benefit of those who have an interest in and ride off-highway motorcycles. Motorcycle Safety Foundation. 

SNOWMOBILEcourse.com is the provider of online snowmobile safety education across North America.

Safe Riders! The Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program — developed by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA), International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA), and International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) — provides a structured approach to safe snowmobiling

---

More resources...

Find more OHV resources in the American Trails Resource Directory. Search for articles, documents, webinars, and organizations using keywords (ATV, OHV, UTV, or snowmobile).

Published May 2026