Carson City Sheriff’s Office issues reminder about ATV and dirt bikes

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents dirt bike and all-terrain vehicles are designated for off road use only and not street legal.

“It’s getting to be that time of year again when dirt bike and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) riders head out to explore and enjoy the great outdoors,” said Sgt. Scott McDaniel in a press release. “They are not designed to be operated on paved surfaces and excessive speed combined with careless maneuvering could lead to a crash.”

Motorists also may have difficulty seeing dirt bikes or ATVs, which increases the danger for both parties involved.

For parents who purchase dirt bikes or ATVs for their children, make sure kids are educated in safe operation of the machines as well as knowing when and where they are riding and how they are getting there. No one should be riding on the streets or highways to get to open space trails and riding areas.

When riding, riders need to also respect private property notifications that are posted in areas and if riders need to get through a gate to continue on and close it after entering. Many times these gates are in place to keep livestock and wild horses contained in a safe area.

Also respect notices that mark certain areas to not be traveled on by motorized vehicles as they are reserved for hiking, biking and equestrian use. Though riders may not agree with the restrictions, destroying property in order to access the trails is illegal and disrespectful to those who use the area, McDaniel said.