Helmets could become mandatory for anyone riding dirt bikes, ATVs or snowmobiles on public land by next spring.
The provincial government proposed legislation to bring the change by May 1, if approved. The new rules would cover all types of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) such as dirt bikes, ATVs, quads and snowmobiles, but would not apply on private land or for farmers and ranchers.
Alberta Transportation Minister Brian Mason said it’s an important safety issue.
“We wanted to do something about that to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities and preserving the best aspects of Alberta’s OHV community,” he said.
Alberta is the only province that does not have legislation requiring helmets for off-road vehicles.
Mason said an average of 19 people die each year from injuries sustained while riding off-road vehicles and head injuries account for a majority of these deaths, most of the victims were not wearing helmets. As well, there are 6,000 emergency room visits each year involving injuries received while riding off-road vehicles.
The new rules will only apply to people on public lands, not on privately owned land, First Nations or Metis Settlements. Mason said the new rules won’t apply to farming and ranching activities. However, he said the Province strongly encourages anyone riding off-road vehicles to wear a helmet for their own safety.
Exemptions could be allowed for ATVs with roll cages and people wearing seatbelts if approved by the minister.
Mason said the government is only targeting public land because it’s difficult to enforce the rules on private land.
He said provincial officials will work to educate off-roaders prior to the new laws coming into effect.
Brent Hodgson, President of the Alberta Off-highway Vehicle Association, said the group fully supports the new rules.
“We’ve been advocating for this for this for more than eight years, we feel every off-highway vehicle user should have a helmet, side-by-side with a seatbelt,” he said.
Hodgson said the association focuses on education about the importance of wearing helmets, as well as goggles on ATVs.
JC Seitz, owner/manager of Cycle Works Foothills, said it’s the right move to keep people safe.
“Anything to protect your head is good,” he said.
Seitz said he already wears a helmet and from his experience, he said the majority of people already wear helmets.
“When I go out riding when I go out to the hills or go somewhere riding with the family it’s weird to see someone not wearing a helmet. It’s not too often that you see that,” he said.
Though the legislation won’t apply on private lands, Seitz said it’s a good way to encourage people to wear helmets when out riding on their own property.
