Proposed new legislation requiring off-highway vehicle (OHV) users to wear helmets when operating their machines on public lands is a good step, says Phil Wilde, owner of Sundre's Mountain's Edge Cycle and Sled.
“I think it is a good idea,” said Wilde, himself an OHV user. “I do think it is wise that it is mandatory. We recommend helmet use and different helmets for different applications.”
The Notley government has introduced amendments to the Traffic Safety Act that, if passed, would require recreational users of ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles to wear helmets when on Crown land or other lands that are not privately owned.
That includes any highway, thoroughfare, street, road, trail, avenue, parkway or ditch.
The rules would not apply to private land or during farming or ranching operations, which would continue to be exempt under the Occupational Health and Safety code.
There are many styles and types of helmets now available, resulting in much less distraction when riding, said Wilde.
“There is a lot more variety of helmets today than there was in the past,” he said. “It makes it easier for people to have a reason to wear a helmet.
“There used to be three basic styles: the open face, motocross-ATV style, and the street bike closed face. Nowadays there are many different styles. I would say there is three times the selection.
“The problem in the past was that people couldn't hear each other talk back and forth. Now they've come up with the helmet where the ear is open so that people can converse.
“They've made helmets way more versatile for every application. In the past people would say this bothers me or this bothers me. Before everybody looked for a reason not to wear a helmet, but they basically now manufacture helmets that work for anybody's needs.”
The proposed amending legislation is the result of public consultations, said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason.
“For years Albertans have been asking their government to take action to reduce the unnecessary injuries and deaths caused by head injuries on OHVs,” said Mason.
Asked if he has personally ever had a helmet prevent injury, Wilde said yes. “Oh, lots of times,” said Wilde.
"There is a lot more variety of helmets today than there was in the past."Phil WildeMountain's Edge Cycle and Sled
