OHV Safety Week
Join the OHMVR Division and its partners for the Fall OHV Safety Week. As outdoor enthusiasts take to the trails this fall, the OHMVR Division encourages everyone—whether on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), dirt bike, recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), or 4x4—to prioritize safety and respect for one another. This year’s theme “Share the Trail” encourages all riders to:
- Stay to the Right: When operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) on trails, especially in shared areas, always stay to the right. This one simple action makes a big difference in helping traffic flow smoothly and preventing collisions.
- Share Your Knowledge: Seasoned riders, here’s your chance to ensure future generations can enjoy the same thrilling experiences. Help newcomers by sharing tips on safety, trail etiquette, and environmental stewardship.
- Ride Smart: Know the terrain and what to expect, and ride at a speed that is safe for the trail and conditions. Be smart and don’t ride or drive while intoxicated.
- Ride With Respect: Follow posted signs, avoid sensitive habits, and follow “Leave No Trace” practices. Treating the trails, your fellow users, and the environment with respect is key to preserving California’s off-highway areas for years to come.
Several state vehicular recreation areas (SVRAs) such as Oceano Dunes, Prairie City, and Clay Pit will be offering free ATV, ROV, and motorcycle safety classes — a great opportunity to build confidence and skills. For information on the free safety classes, visit the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation website for schedules and sign-up information.
Some SVRAs are also hosting additional special events during Fall Safety Week, such as Junior Ranger programs and a family ride.
Safety Week Schedule:
- Nov 16th – Safety Ride at 11 am; meet at the Kids Track in the east end of the park. Have your family join us for a family ride where we will show some safety tips while riding the trail. We plan to ride up East Pottery. The event is FREE. Light Rain or shine.
- Nov 23 – Drop In Junior Rangers: Safety from 11 am to 1 pm at the Kids Tracks. Drop by the Junior Ranger table for fun kid friendly activities located by the Kids Track in the east end of the park. Learn about OHV safety by playing games and completing activity booklet and coloring pages. Junior Rangers is a statewide program for youth ages 7 – 12. This event is FREE. Rain Cancels.
- Nov 17th – Junior Ranger RC car program
- Nov 23rd - Tread Lightly! Day: Answer the call and help Do Your Part for public lands on November 23! Join Tread Lightly! and California State Parks at Ocotillo Wells SVRA for Tread Lightly! Day during California Safety Week 2025. Meet at the Main Street Pavilion to learn how following the T.R.E.A.D. Principles can make you a more skilled, safer, and responsible OHV enthusiast. Join in for a cleanup to help leave Ocotillo Wells better than you found it. Can’t join on Saturday? Grab some empty trash bags, and a few friends, and plan a trip to your favorite outdoor public space. Pick up trash and take it with you for proper disposal. You don’t have to take the blame for the trash, just the responsibility!
- Nov 16th – Dunes Safety Day 11am – 3pm. Free to visitors with a day use pass. Dunes Safety Day includes all things related to safety out on the beach: riding safety, ocean safety, and protection of natural resources. See displays from State Park Rangers, State Park Lifeguards, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and more! Fun for the whole family.
The OHMVR Division is grateful to its partners – Tread Lightly! Initiative, California Highway Patrol, California Outdoor Recreation Foundation, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, ATV Safety Institute (ASI), Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA), Motorcycle Industry Council and Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) – for their invaluable support in making Fall OHV Safety Week a success.