Nonprofit promotes ATV, snowmobile safety

Off-road vehicles are part of the Alaska lifestyle. As the population increases, so does interest in using snowmachines and four-wheelers for transportation, recreation, and subsistence hunting and fishing.

With increased use come impacts on all residents. Added dust, and interactions between pedestrians and other vehicles increase the incidence of injuries and fatalities that are often a result of inexperience or lack of knowledge of state and local rules for riding.

Alaska Safe Riders is the only organization in the state promoting responsible riding and providing specific off-road vehicle safety education programs. The nonprofit group organized in 2021, but its staff have been part of similar training and education initiatives since 2004, according to Mike Buck, Alaska Safe Riders executive director.

Composed of Iron Dog and Iditarod champions, educators and business professionals, the group is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to training about safe operation of snowmachines, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles.

“Our goal is to enhance the riding experience in the majestic landscape of Alaska through comprehensive safety education,” Buck said. “Whether you are a seasoned rider or a novice exploring the thrill of the ride, Alaska Safe Riders aims to provide you with the resources and training necessary to explore responsibly and safely.”

In addition to basic training in safe equipment operation, ASR also provides helmets to those in need, and offers free backcountry seminars and a nationally certified training program for ATVs and remotely operated vehicles. One of the groups greatest annual outreach opportunities is the Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo, which took place Sept. 28. This year’s event brought together more than 80 exhibitors and attracted more than 1,500 attendees. But outreach is not always cheap, especially for a nonprofit organization. An August grant for $18,000 from the Mat-Su Health Foundation funded marketing, supplies and promotional materials for the Expo, as well as safety-focused educational presentations in schools.

The grant is part of more than $130 million invested in community wellness by the health foundation since 2008. As part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the foundation channels its share of the profits back into the community while continuing to help ensure that the hospital meets the needs of a growing population.

This is the third year in a row that ASR has been a health foundation grantee. That support has been critical to pulling off the Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo each year, since the Mat-Su Borough, which provides substantial personnel and equipment, does not have funding to market the event.

“The Expo provides a great opportunity for the Alaska Safe Riders team to meet the public and provide lots of valuable tips. “It’s also an incredible opportunity for people to learn from professionals at no cost,” Buck said. “Our support and assistance ensures the Expo has the necessary resources to make the event possible. These grants are key to supporting ASR with outreach and ensuring the general Mat-Su Valley public has access to this life-saving training and resources.”

FIND OUT MORE

https://alaskasaferiders.org