House Bill 2062

[Dune Dude]

This is the Bill from Parks that will require helmets for everyone that rides on Public Lands.  This was up for hearing on Monday the 5th.  There was little opposition to this Bill and will probably become Law.  There is time to let your voice be heard on this issue.     

My two cents...
I am all for this Bill.  My family and I always wear helmets when we ride.  I feel it is the most important protective device you can wear to avoid major injury.
There has been some concern about how they would enforce this requirement in regards to loading and unloading the ATV's.  Some amendments have been added, but not sure if they address this issue.  The other side of this argument is common sense discretion of the enforcement officer.  I don't see them issuing a ticket to an adult unloading or loading ATV's in the staging areas.  Once the ATV hits the sand your head better be in the can!
Or once the ATV hits the trail or riding area the helmet must be worn.
Posted on: March 08, 2007, 06:43:32 AMAnother area of concern about helmets is the side-by-side market.  These are considered Class II vehicles.  I believe that the driver and passengers should be required to have on helmets in these vehicles.  They do not have doors and only lap belt restraints.  In case of a roll over the head would be exposed to major trauma. All the magazines use helmets when they test these vehicles.  Again this is a fast growing segment and Parks should be addressing this issue. 

[Towman 1]

From what the deputy sheriff told me a couple of days ago is on the class 11 atv's, you don't have to wear helmets on the 4x4 quads. And the side by sides if they are over 800 pounds. I absolutely agree with this because can you imagine wearing a helmet out riding your 4x4 deer hunting. Thats why they are not including the class 11 atv's.

I agree with them on that.

[Sandflicker]

From what the deputy sheriff told me a couple of days ago is on the class 11 atv's, you don't have to wear helmets on the 4x4 quads. And the side by sides if they are over 800 pounds. I absolutely agree with this because can you imagine wearing a helmet out riding your 4x4 deer hunting. Thats why they are not including the class 11 atv's.

I agree with them on that.

Not that I care - or disagree - but they do make 1/2 helmets.  I don't think they're saying it has to be a motor cross style helmet.

But again, I'm not being argumentative.  I personally feel if you are over 18 you should be able to make your own decisions.

[Towman 1]

Yah, I agree with you. But here in Winchester Bay, there is getting so many people comming here to ride it really does make sence to wear a helmet. I feel that in a recreation area like the dunes it is ok to have a helmet law.  But out metal detecting and over in eastern Oregon hunting I think that a helmet isn't really needed.

[Sandflicker]

Yah, I agree with you. But here in Winchester Bay, there is getting so many people comming here to ride it really does make sence to wear a helmet. I feel that in a recreation area like the dunes it is ok to have a helmet law.  But out metal detecting and over in eastern Oregon hunting I think that a helmet isn't really needed.

I know it isn't popular - but when I give one of the kids - one of those slow / safe little rides I hate wearing a helmet, I need to hear them and laugh with them. JMO.