Marion County 4-H has brought home yet another national award. This time it’s in the form of funding for the youth development program’s free ATV Safety Rider Course held at the Marion County 4-H Farm at least twice a year.
The $3,240 grant is made possible through the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative to promote safe, responsible off-road riding on public lands.With Ocala National Forest’s ATV trails continually ranking among Florida’s most popular, the limited “seats” in Marion County 4-H’s certification course are claimed shortly after registration opens for each session.
he funding will allow the course to purchase additional safety equipment, including helmets, for the limited class size of 8-12 riders. After successfully passing the end-of-course exam, riders earn a state certificate of completion.
Why is this certificate important?
The Florida Department of Agriculture requires riders less than 16 years of age to complete a rider safety course and carry the associated certificate with them while riding. Youth riding without this certification can be fined up to $500 per Florida Statute 261.20.
There are a few spots remaining in next week’s ATV Safety Rider Course. Use this link to register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4-h-atv-safety-rider-course-tickets-43889472594?aff=erelexpmlt. For more information, contact Marion County 4-H at 352-671-8413. This program underscores the county’s strategic goals of resource stewardship and public education
