State Parks Launches OHV Safety Week Nov. 14-22

California State Parks is offering 17 free off-highway vehicle safety courses and events statewide during its fifth annual OHV Safety Week.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Motorcycles

Photograph of a single unbranded side-by-side vehicle parked on a dirt trail through golden California hills, with orange training cones nearby. — California State Parks is holding its fifth annual OHV Safety Week, November 14 through 22, offering 17 free off-highway vehicle courses and events statewide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you attend a free off-road vehicle safety class this week?

California State Parks will offer 17 OHV safety courses and events during the fifth annual OHV Safety Week, running November 14 through November 22. Training is free for all California residents and is offered in partnership with the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association.

Why it matters

The OHMVR Division emphasizes riding responsibly and respectfully because off-road recreation carries inherent risks. The week reflects a October 2020 OHMVR Commission resolution dedicating one week each year to safe and responsible OHV practices.

California has nine State Vehicular Recreation Areas, and more than $884 million in OHMVR grants have been awarded since the division was created in 1971. OHV Safety Week offers 17 courses and events across that network during the November 14-22 observance.

The players

California State Parks

The state agency that manages the parks system, including the OHMVR Division that runs off-highway vehicle recreation programs.

All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute

A safety organization that partners with California State Parks on ATV rider education programs.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

A nonprofit that develops and promotes motorcycle rider training courses across the United States.

Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association

A trade association that advocates for off-highway vehicle recreation and rider safety.

The details

Riders can take free online ATV and side-by-side safety training before signing up for hands-on instruction, and free ATV, side-by-side, and motorcycle classes are offered statewide in collaboration with RideOHV.com. Prairie City SVRA will host a "Ride to Ride Again" Poker Run, and a free RIDE Day event at the Honda Rider Education Center in Colton on November 21 and 22 will provide vehicles, riding gear, and coaches at no cost.

October 2020: OHMVR Commission passes resolution dedicating a week each year to OHV safety.
November 14-22, 2026: Fifth annual OHV Safety Week with courses and events statewide.
November 21, 2026: Ocotillo Wells SVRA marks its 50th anniversary and RIDE Day begins in Colton.
November 22, 2026: RIDE Day event at Honda Rider Education Center concludes.

Roadmap

OHV Safety Week is the fifth annual observance created under the OHMVR Commission's October 2020 resolution, which set aside one week each year for safe and responsible off-highway vehicle practices. The continuing campaign reflects the Division's broader focus on rider education across California's nine State Vehicular Recreation Areas.

Free online ATV and side-by-side safety training is available to all California residents, and hands-on sign-ups can follow. Riders who attend the Colton RIDE Day can use provided vehicles, gear, and coaches at no cost.

The takeaway

Riders can take free online safety training before any hands-on session, which is a low-cost way to start on a new machine. Checking the OHMVR Division's SVRA locator before a trip helps riders choose a park suited to their skill level.

What happens next

RIDE Day at the Honda Rider Education Center in Colton concludes on November 22, 2026, and Ocotillo Wells SVRA's 50th anniversary celebration takes place November 21, 2026.