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Wisconsin DNR Offers Funding to Teach ATV and UTV Safety

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ATV and UTV riding is becoming more and more popular in Wisconsin.

People are spending more time outside, and at the same time more counties and townships are allowing people to ride off-road vehicles on roads.

That’s good news for the ATV/UTV industry, but one result of this is an increase in accidents.

“Last year had 38 fatalities between ATVs and UTVs in our state. That was a pretty decent increase from the previous year and that trend has been growing over time,” said Ryan Serwe, the Off-Highway Vehicle Assistant Administrator with the Wisconsin DNR.

As a result, the DNR wants to partner with organizations to promote safe riding.

It’s offering up to $297,000 in grants for organizations to recruit and train ATV and UTV safety instructors.

The goal is to make off-road trails safer and create new partnerships between ATV and UTV dealers and manufacturers and the DNR.

“Obviously we want to make sure that people are having good riding opportunities,” Serwe said. “But at the same time, we want to make sure that people can do that safely, not only for themselves but for the other members of the public that are out there.”

Applications for the funding are due June 28.

Information about eligibility and how to apply can be found on the DNR’s website.

Erin Gottsacker worked at WXPR as a Morning Edition host and reporter from December 2020 to January 2023. During her time at the station, Erin reported on the issues that matter most in the Northwoods.
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