Safety Considerations

Dirt biking (or any form of motorized recreation) can be dangerous. There is always the potential for injury, dismemberment, death and all sorts of ugly things that most people don’t want to have happen to them.

At any given time, there could be obstacles like trees, rocks, sharp pointy objects, other dirt bikes, ATVs, small children, bears, old ladies, trucks, brick walls, steep hills, deep holes, or just about any other unexpected thing around that next bend, over the next rise, or falling from the sky. That’s part of life. Keep that in mind and take responsibility for your own safety, including the potential for somebody else to make a mistake. If you aren’t willing to accept these risks for yourself, then don’t get in to the sport and certainly stay away from the rest of us.

If you get hurt, it’s not our fault. You can’t say we didn’t warn you.

All trails at Rampart contain two-way traffic at all times! Head-on accidents can be deadly—slow down near hilltops and blind corners.

Always ride within your limits.Slow down and stay to your right for blind corners, hill crests, and riders going the opposite direction.

Know, understand, and use, hand signals to tell opposing riders how many people are behind you.

When you come upon riders going the other direction, when practical either ask them to wait for your group, or you wait for their group to pass.

If you have small children behind you ask the opposing rider(s) to stop wait for your children to arrive.

Teach your children what to do when faced with a rider coming from the opposite direction.

Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Travel with other people.

Know your vehicle. Keep it in good condition and read the owners manual.

Know where you’re going. Carry a map & plan a route within your ability.

Stay Sober. Drinking or getting high and riding don’t mix.

Wear proper safety equipment, such as helmets, gloves, boots, and other safety gear.

Take some basic tools and spares with you and know how to use them.

Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, trail maps, and a cell phone. Be aware that cell service is very limited and most of the trails do not have service.

If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, please carry some sort of pertinent information. It may save your life!

Be prepared for sudden Colorado weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and hail with wind chills in the 20’s are not uncommon, even in mid summer.

Keep an eye on the sky. Storms can appear quickly and cool you off in a hurry. Even a trash bag in your fanny pack will make a welcome shelter when the rain starts falling.

Colorado Law requires reporting of accidents if property damage reaches $1,500.00 or more or if there are injuries resulting in hospitalization or death.

Even experienced riders can learn something from professional training. For safety or training information, contact the ATV Safety Institute or Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-877-288-7093.