New ATV rules in effect in Ore.

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — New rules in Oregon require that children under 16 riding all-terrain vehicles on public land be supervised by an adult.

The rules also say the adult also has to complete a state-approved safety-training class, along with the young riders, and they have specifications for fitting ATVs to young riders.

From 1998 to 2003, Oregon recorded more than 1,200 injuries resulting from ATV crashes, said John Lane, the ATV safety education coordinator for the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation.

ATV-related accidents rose 78 percent from 2001-2003, with more than 20 percent of ATV injuries occurring to children younger than 15, he said.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which has several ATV areas in its Medford District, including the popular Johns Peak area west of Jacksonville, is preparing to enforce the new laws.

"We will have people patrolling, not only Johns Peak, but all the heavily used ATV areas," said district spokesman Jim Whittington, adding that BLM law enforcement officers, along with sheriff's deputies, will be on hand to ensure the laws are being followed.

Steve Croucher, president of a local motorcycle association, said he seldom likes to see more rules but thinks the rider-fit requirement is wise and well drafted.

"I've seen kids on vehicles that were much too large for them," he said. "A small child on a large unit can't activate the brake."

But he wonders how the supervisory requirement will be implemented during events such as competitive racing.

"We're hoping common sense will prevail in situations like that," he said.

The Legislature in 2007 required the department to phase in ATV Safety Education requirements for riding on Oregon's public lands.

The minimum age will increase every year until all riders are required in 2014 to carry an ATV Safety Education Card while riding on state land.

There is a safety training exemption for riders using an ATV or off-road motorcycle for farming, agriculture, forestry, nursery, Christmas tree growing operations or while riding on private land.

The free ATV safety course is available at www.rideatvoregon.org.