Thesis for CPSC Ban on ATCs

[3wheelmecca]

Here it is:
The CPSC ban on 3-wheeled vehicles was not necessary to make the consumer/rider any safer. Before you read this essay, consider the following: What kills people in an accident? Is it the vehicle they are driving or is it the sole operator? At what point is the banning of a vehicle necessary?

Lemme know what you guys think. i need some honest (the good and the bad) input. :twisted:

[riverrat]

Is there supposed to be an attachment?

[TrailerRider]

Here it is:
The CPSC ban on 3-wheeled vehicles was not necessary to make the consumer/rider any safer. Before you read this essay, consider the following: What kills people in an accident? Is it the vehicle they are driving or is it the sole operator? At what point is the banning of a vehicle necessary?

Lemme know what you guys think. i need some honest (the good and the bad) input. :twisted:


When you get you thesis ready and submited let me know (PM or EMAIL) and I will add it to the 3wheeler accident reports website I run :)

[Mr_RPM]

Is there supposed to be an attachment?

that is the thesis, a thesis is just a statement type sentence kinda telling what the essay will bring , it goes on the last sentence of the opening paragraph.

[harryredtrike]

sorry,im not reading all that.i work for a living.bottom line wear a helmet and dont be drunk or high when riding and youll get to go home at the end of the day.

[riverrat]

You said before you read the essay, so I was looking for the essay.

I have a great idea, which I was recently going to put in a rant thread. You see, nothing pisses me off more than the fact that this happened with the 3wheelers. Logically it makes no sense whatsoever. I think it is a huge infringement on our freedom, and totally anti-American. You see logically, you can compare riding a 3wheeler to freedom of speech. We have the freedom to say what ever we want. That doesn't mean we should stroll on into a biker bar, and start throwing insults around, and cursing people out. Most likely you will get hurt. So it's the user of the speech, not the free speech itself that is dangerous. Secondly you can compare it to our right to bare arms. Obviously if you use a gun incorrectly, someone could get hurt, yet we are allowed to have one, and it is our free right to do so.
Guns are manufactured, and come with warning labels.
Speech does not even have a warning label, but it is common sense not to use speech incorrectly. Matter of fact, some people have been damaged for life by certain things that were said to them.
Obviously, off-road riding is dangerous. No one is holding a gun to your head saying you must buy this 3 wheeler. It is a decision you make on your own, just like things you say.
The real problem with America, is out Justice system, and the courts where they decide things like banning 3wheelers.
If the government wanted to do something to help us, they would provide free training courses on how to ride off-road, and ATV's, and spend money educating the public on just exactly what they are. That's for all the idiots who can't figure it out for themselves, and for a few that aren't idiots, but could stand to use some knowledge on how to ride.
It took me a long time to understand how to ride a 3wheeler. But I went slowly, and fully understand the risk I was taking, just like the risk you take when you cross the street.
Too me, I find dirt bikes more scary to drive, and my 4x4 up in the rocky terrain scares the crap out of me. I am scared to death of winding up with it's 600lb weight on top of me.

It's like the story of the girl who fell in a clearly marked hole in the sidewalk while texting. It was the hole's fault because she wasn't looking where she was going? That's the country we've become, and to tell you the truth, I am sick of it. If you trip on the ground, are we to sue the ground? Everything in life has it's dangers. I want to be free to enjoy them.

[harryredtrike]

blame scum bag lawyers,they screwed this whole society up.people cant blame themselves,it has to be someone or something that hurt or killed them.

[riverrat]

I just thought of another good comparison. Dog bite victims in the US. Read this:
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

And then read this:
http://sites.google.com/site/3wheeleratvaccidentreports/

So tell me, we ought to be banning dogs by now. They are far more dangerous than 3 wheelers. This country is a big joke right now.

[riverrat]

blame scum bag lawyers,they screwed this whole society up.people cant blame themselves,it has to be someone or something that hurt or killed them.

I don't blame lawyers completely, they are doing what they are paid to do. I blame the people who hire them, and the judges who rule in their favor.

[Mr_RPM]

I just thought of another good comparison. Dog bite victims in the US. Read this:
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

And then read this:
http://sites.google.com/site/3wheeleratvaccidentreports/

So tell me, we ought to be banning dogs by now. They are far more dangerous than 3 wheelers. This country is a big joke right now.

i agree 100% but sadly they are banning dogs. many communities have been banning pitbulls and other breeds known to be agressive. and many places put a weight limit on the dog you can own. this country is pathetic sometimes.

[GeosALT125]

In our litigious society, you can blame the lawyers, the judges, the CPSC, and the people that used to own trikes which they operated in an inappropriate manner thus causing injury to themselves.

It would never occur to me that I can take my 2005 GTO, take it up to 180 MPH, blast it into a bunch of other people, cars, buildings, etc. and THEN turn around and sue GM, Holden, Firestone, and everyone else. While that seems extreme, that is in some way how we got to where we are today with 3 wheelers. A trike just sitting there, without a person riding it, is perfectly safe. You add a rider, it's as dangerous as anything else you ride. Now make that person uninformed, inept, or otherwise and you have a lawsuit on wheels.

It's simply absurd.

[Trimotomike]

You said before you read the essay, so I was looking for the essay.

I have a great idea, which I was recently going to put in a rant thread. You see, nothing pisses me off more than the fact that this happened with the 3wheelers. Logically it makes no sense whatsoever. I think it is a huge infringement on our freedom, and totally anti-American. You see logically, you can compare riding a 3wheeler to freedom of speech. We have the freedom to say what ever we want. That doesn't mean we should stroll on into a biker bar, and start throwing insults around, and cursing people out. Most likely you will get hurt. So it's the user of the speech, not the free speech itself that is dangerous. Secondly you can compare it to our right to bare arms. Obviously if you use a gun incorrectly, someone could get hurt, yet we are allowed to have one, and it is our free right to do so.
Guns are manufactured, and come with warning labels.
Speech does not even have a warning label, but it is common sense not to use speech incorrectly. Matter of fact, some people have been damaged for life by certain things that were said to them.
Obviously, off-road riding is dangerous. No one is holding a gun to your head saying you must buy this 3 wheeler. It is a decision you make on your own, just like things you say.
The real problem with America, is out Justice system, and the courts where they decide things like banning 3wheelers.
If the government wanted to do something to help us, they would provide free training courses on how to ride off-road, and ATV's, and spend money educating the public on just exactly what they are. That's for all the idiots who can't figure it out for themselves, and for a few that aren't idiots, but could stand to use some knowledge on how to ride.
It took me a long time to understand how to ride a 3wheeler. But I went slowly, and fully understand the risk I was taking, just like the risk you take when you cross the street.
Too me, I find dirt bikes more scary to drive, and my 4x4 up in the rocky terrain scares the crap out of me. I am scared to death of winding up with it's 600lb weight on top of me.

It's like the story of the girl who fell in a clearly marked hole in the sidewalk while texting. It was the hole's fault because she wasn't looking where she was going? That's the country we've become, and to tell you the truth, I am sick of it. If you trip on the ground, are we to sue the ground? Everything in life has it's dangers. I want to be free to enjoy them.

AMEN to all the above !!!

[TrailerRider]

I just thought of another good comparison. Dog bite victims in the US. Read this:
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

And then read this:
http://sites.google.com/site/3wheeleratvaccidentreports/

So tell me, we ought to be banning dogs by now. They are far more dangerous than 3 wheelers. This country is a big joke right now.

You know what that graph is a good idea. If I can find some time I may create a graph to show the most reasons for the 3 wheeled accidents.

EDIT: I may be upgrading that site from a free one to a decent site that way you all can post your reasonings and such.

[GeosALT125]

You know what that graph is a good idea. If I can find some time I may create a graph to show the most reasons for the 3 wheeled accidents.

EDIT: I may be upgrading that site from a free one to a decent site that way you all can post your reasonings and such.

I have to give you credit for getting the data and putting it up on the site. What are the column headings on that text file? It could use some formatting, but there is a really some good reading there. It's sad to see so many fatalities, but a large majority of them seem to be from either improper gear (i.e. a half helmet) or no protection whatsoever.

[TrailerRider]

I have to give you credit for getting the data and putting it up on the site. What are the column headings on that text file? It could use some formatting, but there is a really some good reading there. It's sad to see so many fatalities, but a large majority of them seem to be from either improper gear (i.e. a half helmet) or no protection whatsoever.

Explained (Good question, I never thought to upload those:

Was going to copy/paste but hell no to long..lol So uploaded the actual (Quick Links below):

Revised Field Layout (http://sites.google.com/site/3wheeleratvaccidentreports/Home/RevisedFieldLayout.doc?attredirects=0&d=1)
Revised Report Legends (http://sites.google.com/site/3wheeleratvaccidentreports/Home/RevisedReportLegends.doc?attredirects=0&d=1)

Or visit the site at the bottom under attachments they are there as well.. Don't care which way.

[2Tim215]

Unfortunately in every aspect of life there are people who ruin things for the rest. The minority often causes the majority to lose rights of things the majority weren't at fault with. I believe there is to much government in to many areas of our lives. I do believe we need laws to protect the innocent but things have certainly got out of hand. Here in NY we are now able to register our Three Wheelers. I have insurance on mine which in NY allows it to be used off of my property the same way Four Wheelers are regulated. I agree with the Post above, wear a helmet and don't be drunk or high when riding! Any recreational vehicle will pose a risk and the rider should be held accountable for any injury knowing this. It takes practice and learning to ride anything. I certainly dumped my bicycle when I was kid and my parents didn't sue the bike company or blame the bike for my skinned knees!

[sweetip2000]

I used to ride in NJ at a place called sterling forest back in the 1980's. It was part of the Appalachian trails.
I saw these trikes emerge and I was riding motoX at the time. We saw these big ass trikes come ripping around a trail and had to get over. My dad told me to get out of their way and get off to the side of the trail. So we gave them the right of way. We didnt have to but this is what I was told to do.

There are irresponsible riders that dont want to share a trail. That is an attitude problem.
I dont have to roost anyone to get my point across. Hey I just want to have fun and ride.

When you have hikers back packers walking a trail and a biker rips into them then the biker is not
thinking ahead of a blind turn or hill in thick wooded trails.

This is the reason Sterling Forest in NJ was closed. Its not always the bike that is dangerous.
Usually its the biker that is a ham fisted throttle jockey that doesnt know basic trail etiquette or cant handle
their bike when the hammer is down turning or braking.

This was one of the best places I ever rode in my life and it was ruined by a few assholes.
Thats when the lawyers and insurance companies made a big stink over the sport and it was ruined for all for ever.

This place had trails that went for hundreds of miles. The original trails the settlers made.
What a shame. I saw all the trikes riding there back in the 1980's.

Dried rocky river beds. Sand pits with huge hill climbs. Mud bogs. Swamps. Trails. Huge table tops and whoops. All gone.

[Orangecnty250r]

Here in NY we are now able to register our Three Wheelers. I have insurance on mine which in NY allows it to be used off of my property the same way Four Wheelers are regulated. !

That's because NY just about doubled all the registration fees on everything. If NY could find a way to TAX 3 wheelers they would probably allow just about anything including new manufacture of them.

[3wheelmecca]

Dang. you guys are a great help. I have the rough draft done, the final will be in your inboxes on March 11. btw TrailerRider, I used some reports off your morbidity reports, they helped me out a lot. It's unbelievable that all you guys know this stuff.

[Billy Golightly]

I've been having an itch to write an article on the front page lately about all this. I did a lot of research YEARS ago about the whole consent decree and how it came about. I just checked, and all my old book marks are still place to the reference material I had found on the CPSC.gov website when I was searching. I wouldn't mind collaborating with some of you other guys that've done some research on the subject to put something together. I'm thinking a several thousand word article, and some sort of a time-line graphic is what I have in mind.

[3wheelmecca]

Billy, when I finish my report, I will PM or Email it to you, if you want. Its really voiced well, and 1500+ words. this tells all about the similarities and differences of 3 wheels to 4 (no offense to 4 IMO, I'm just oldschool) and how handling is different, as well as fatality count similarity between the two. It will be in your inbox on March 11.
I would be honored to give you my essay, I hope it gets these ATCs back in the showroom!

[honda200x1987]

It would be a dream come true if Honda ATCS were back on the showroom floor, I would rather them start were they left off just before the BANN of '87. It would be an awasome site to see new 200x's 350x's and 250r's lined up in showrooms, I'd bet sales would go through the roof !

[Billy Golightly]

3wheelmecca, sounds good! I might even just post it as an article on the front page, as well. Seems like we might need a whole section dedicated to the "consent decree" to cover all the basis.

[inv3ctiv3]

It would be a dream come true if Honda ATCS were back on the showroom floor, I would rather them start were they left off just before the BANN of '87. It would be an awasome site to see new 200x's 350x's and 250r's lined up in showrooms, I'd bet sales would go through the roof !

That would be a dream come true but I can tell you that sales would not be through the roof. Everytime I tell people I ride ATC's they laugh and ask if I am crazy...People ate up what the CPSC said and even people who have never even ridden one have it in their mind that they are extremely dangerous. I'd love to buy a new 350x or 250r but I know I'll never see that day. :(

[3wheelmecca]

Billy , that sounds great after I am done with this essay, I can write the consent decree if ya want. Just PM me what you are looking for in it as well as length and I will write it. I write a bit for a living.
If the ATCS came back, the purist will snap those up like its nobodys business. I bet there will be more buyers, word of mouth from a friend is better than puffery from a corpration IMO.

[Billy Golightly]

What would make the "ultimate" article, in my opinion (Or maybe not even an article, but a whole section with a lot of individual content in one place) is something that details accurately the chain of events leading up to the Consent Decree, such as the CPSC hearings, the media spectacles, draft legislation, etc. etc. And then as that is playing a long, from a rebuttal stand-point, refute as many of the points as possible with our own sources of information, and logic. Perhaps something like "This is what happened" and "This is what was wrong with the way it happened" type deal.

[3wheelmecca]

ok, sounds good, just PM me and I will help ya out.

[riverrat]

One other aspect of the bad rep that trikes got may be due to the fact that they were the first ATV's, and most people that started riding them had bike experience, and were already conditioned to put their leg down when falling over. This led to many people getting their legs ran over, and some hip injuries.
The other half is that ATV's looked easy to ride compared to dirtbikes, combined with the automatic clutch, many people with little or no experience got on these 3 wheelers, and got hurt due to lack of training.
I've never been seriously hurt on my 3 wheelers in the 30 years I've been riding them, yet there have been many people (3-4) who I lent my trike to, and got hurt on their first ride. Usually they took off, and I couldn't catch them fast enough to tell them to slow down, and to teach them the proper way of riding. The most common accident that happened to people who I lent my trike to was that they did not know how to turn the trike. Especially on hard packed roads, or even pavement (it happened, one guy wandered on to it). With the two wheels wanting to go straight in the back, and only 1 wheel trying to turn, the trike wants to go straight. Leaning to the outside, to get the inside wheel up a bit to make it turn was a very unnatural thing to do, but once learned made the trike easy to drive.
That is why I say in my opinion, the government could have provided training to us, and should still do that, and then more accidents could be avoided. I compare the training needed to get a pilots license to a drivers license, and it's a joke. There are so many people on the road who could use some basic training, and then roads would be safer. I feel as though if the government really wanted to protect us from ourselves, then there should be stricter training requisites.
There are just to many things to compare trikes to, to prove that a trike by itself is just not dangerous. There is no real good reason they ever should have been banned. Sometimes I feel it was just the liberal tree huggers that didn't like hearing them, or are jealous of us having fun. They fought hard to ruin it for us. They did such a good job, that most people are conditioned to believe they really are dangerous/illegal/banned. People look at me funny sometimes when I tell them I ride one. Then I tell them I do 90mph on the ice with it :)

This topic just gets my blood boiling, not just because of the three wheelers, but because of what our country has become. I sometimes day dream about suing the government to remove the ban, and then educate the public on the reality of it all. Then give us safe places to ride, and proper training. IMO, that would be the American thing to do.

[3wheelmecca]

That is pretty much my essay, riverrat, but gives some examples of crashes and a brief history of the ATC as well as my and newrider's experience. Maybe my friend newrider can help, he is really wise and sees things from a rational point of view. He'll probably go with it.

[honda200x1987]

MY essay, "The what if" What if the 4 wheeler was the first ATV introduced in 1970 ? Would there had been a BANN ? I think yes because people just wanted someone to blame for the injuries occured and I would bet the 4 wheeler would have met the same fate in that era. what if HONDA had intruduced the 3 wheeler in 1984? as we all know the first honda atv 4 wheeler was intruduced in 1984 and had not been in production very long by the year 1987 when the ATC was BANNED. It is my beleif that ANY motorized vehicle can be dangerous without the proper instructions and safety precations. Now think rationally, a dirtbike is just as dangerous as an ATC " 3 wheeler". In all my experince I have had more wrecks on a dirtbike and 4 wheeler than a ATC but that's just me. I just love how the ATC handles and is much lighter compared to the 4 wheeler. Although the 4 wheeler and dirtbike have their pros and cons. Each and every motorized vehicle can be dangerous but in different ways. for instance the ATC can tip over to the left or right a little more than the 4 wheeler but if the 4 wheeler front end was to come up as a "wheelie" over on top of you ,it's two front wheels are hard to get away from. Now if the 3 wheeler was to get a 'wheelie' in the same situation it would be much easier to get away from and would be much lighter. I have heard of people getting crushed from some of the bigger 4 wheelers because they are so heavy. I am not trying to say one is more "dangerous' than the other,they are not. I am just saying all vehicles can be without the proper safety instructions on how to operate and wear proper equipment, wether it be a car ,plane ,motrocylce ,,,all can be dangerous without training. I rode my first trike back in 1984 and it was the Honda ATC110 and never had a bad experience. It's the operator and not the equipment. I feel safe when riding my 1987 200X today and if they were back in production it is my beleif sales would go through the roof. Yes you would have people who would hate this,if you think it's dangerous don't buy or ride it, I don't need a training wheel when I ride mine.... the 3 wheeler is great for riding in the woods around and between trees and lighter in weight. There is no real reason or proof why they should have been BANNED and if there is please inform me. The ATC should go back into production and start where they left off in 1987.

[TrailerRider]

your welcome mecca. the info is there for all to read and pass an informed judgment based on the FACTS not the rumors and na sayers ideas. Ya get me a copy of the letter as well and I will post it onthe site as well.

[code200k]

3wheelmecca, sounds good! I might even just post it as an article on the front page, as well. Seems like we might need a whole section dedicated to the "consent decree" to cover all the basis.

Billy i like that idea. i am doing my senior research paper (10 pages) on the ban on trikes.basically what mecca is doing that info would be great for my essay.when and if i ever finish this essay i would gladly send you and trailrider a copy for you guys to pout parts on 3ww and his site.

[ChrisD]

sweetip2000 View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message View Blog Entries View Articles Add as Contact Send Email
Registered User
Arm chair racer
Join Date Feb 2003
Location New York
Posts 51 I used to ride in NJ at a place called sterling forest back in the 1980's. It was part of the Appalachian trails.
I saw these trikes emerge and I was riding motoX at the time. We saw these big ass trikes come ripping around a trail and had to get over. My dad told me to get out of their way and get off to the side of the trail. So we gave them the right of way. We didnt have to but this is what I was told to do.

There are irresponsible riders that dont want to share a trail. That is an attitude problem.
I dont have to roost anyone to get my point across. Hey I just want to have fun and ride.

When you have hikers back packers walking a trail and a biker rips into them then the biker is not
thinking ahead of a blind turn or hill in thick wooded trails.

This is the reason Sterling Forest in NJ was closed. Its not always the bike that is dangerous.
Usually its the biker that is a ham fisted throttle jockey that doesnt know basic trail etiquette or cant handle
their bike when the hammer is down turning or braking.

This was one of the best places I ever rode in my life and it was ruined by a few assholes.
Thats when the lawyers and insurance companies made a big stink over the sport and it was ruined for all for ever.

This place had trails that went for hundreds of miles. The original trails the settlers made.
What a shame. I saw all the trikes riding there back in the 1980's.

Dried rocky river beds. Sand pits with huge hill climbs. Mud bogs. Swamps. Trails. Huge table tops and whoops. All gone.


Sorry, but that may have been me and a bunch of my friends. We grew up riding in Sterling Forest and did ride it fast. Unfortunately, you are only partially correct. Sterling Forest was owned by an insurance company and at the time, there was a huge push to ban ALL ATV's. The insurance company shut down Sterling Forest in 1987, just as the negative legal environment peaked at the time. NOT because of excessive accidents there.

The insurance company was trying to develop the property at the time and shut down all riding in NY AND NJ. This saga played out until the property was sold to NYS with the help of the Federal Government. There was a long term plan for that property that was never realized due to the collapse of real estate prices in the region in the late 1980's.

http://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/02/nyregion/environmentalists-criticize-plan-for-sterling-forest-development.html?pagewanted=1


Read this book and it will tell you the story:
http://www.sunypress.edu/p-4359-saving-sterling-forest.aspx

The property actually goes back to the Harriman family and Union Pacific Railroad.

Threewheelers were not the problem there....it was WAY bigger than a couple of us riding in the woods before they shut it down.

http://www.nynjctbotany.org/whudson/sterlhis.html

http://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/14/realestate/homes-and-offices-for-sterling-forest.html?pagewanted=1


http://home.comcast.net/~atc330rrider/images/hpatvareaclosed.jpg

[riverrat]

I live a few hundred feet from Sterling forest and can attest to what ChrisD is saying.
Nobody wishes more than me that we could ride there right now.

[Dirtcrasher]

You said before you read the essay, so I was looking for the essay.

I have a great idea, which I was recently going to put in a rant thread. You see, nothing pisses me off more than the fact that this happened with the 3wheelers. Logically it makes no sense whatsoever. I think it is a huge infringement on our freedom, and totally anti-American. You see logically, you can compare riding a 3wheeler to freedom of speech. We have the freedom to say what ever we want. That doesn't mean we should stroll on into a biker bar, and start throwing insults around, and cursing people out. Most likely you will get hurt. So it's the user of the speech, not the free speech itself that is dangerous. Secondly you can compare it to our right to bare arms. Obviously if you use a gun incorrectly, someone could get hurt, yet we are allowed to have one, and it is our free right to do so.
Guns are manufactured, and come with warning labels.
Speech does not even have a warning label, but it is common sense not to use speech incorrectly. Matter of fact, some people have been damaged for life by certain things that were said to them.
Obviously, off-road riding is dangerous. No one is holding a gun to your head saying you must buy this 3 wheeler. It is a decision you make on your own, just like things you say.
The real problem with America, is out Justice system, and the courts where they decide things like banning 3wheelers.
If the government wanted to do something to help us, they would provide free training courses on how to ride off-road, and ATV's, and spend money educating the public on just exactly what they are. That's for all the idiots who can't figure it out for themselves, and for a few that aren't idiots, but could stand to use some knowledge on how to ride.
It took me a long time to understand how to ride a 3wheeler. But I went slowly, and fully understand the risk I was taking, just like the risk you take when you cross the street.
Too me, I find dirt bikes more scary to drive, and my 4x4 up in the rocky terrain scares the crap out of me. I am scared to death of winding up with it's 600lb weight on top of me.

It's like the story of the girl who fell in a clearly marked hole in the sidewalk while texting. It was the hole's fault because she wasn't looking where she was going? That's the country we've become, and to tell you the truth, I am sick of it. If you trip on the ground, are we to sue the ground? Everything in life has it's dangers. I want to be free to enjoy them.



Very well said! :beer

And so true...... It's up to US to watch what we do and do it carefully, yet still make it enjoyable.

I like your gun analogy - if people can't read warning labels and be trained as to how to use something, how can you go after the manufacturer for making a "deadly product". Doesn't EVERYTHING require some sort of training??

I have had far worse accidents (DC knocks on wood) on my old 1994 CR250 (sold it) and on quads than I have with trikes.

I'm not certain it was you, but someone broght up the fact that when ATC's came about, dirtbikes were the norm and putting your foot down when turning or even when you know your angled, possibly going over, you STILL cannot put your foot down and have to use body english to avoid an accident. It's just how it is and quads have the same issue.

With trikes and quads, the problem is that when the engine is "OFF" and you just hop on one (even if your a 4yo kid) and they SEEM to be very stable. Trikes and quads require some body english and a trike require a bit more body english because it's a triangle and not a rectangle. But EITHER will bite you in the arse if your not trained properly and know how to be careful, what to watch for, and how to get use to how a trike reacts to the terrain and different situations.........

Regardless of it being an ATC or quad, they aren't low to the ground (such as a go-cart where you can get away with ALLOT!) and you have to watch where you going and know that if an object is going to hit the RR tire, lean towards that object.
If an obstacle were on the left, then a person should be trained to lean towards the left. And with ANYTHING: Dirtbike, Streetbike, Quad, Trike and or a Golf cart etc etc, you ought to be trained to lean forwards when climbing hill or unintentionally giving something far to much gas in a low gear which results in the front end lifting up.
They should also be trained to hit the rear brake pedal when the front end lifts. It should be explained that stalling the engine is better than flipping over backwards.............
And even more advanced (for a rider navigating different terrains with hills and such), a rider should be trained to understand that if the throttle is held wide open during a "nose dive" off of a jump that the centrifugal force ( I understand that word but centrifical is apparently the wrong spelling! but I always spelled and hear it pronounced in that manner??I give.......) spinning the rear wheels can get you closer to leveled out.

It's all about taking time to learn how to ride a trike and that wearing your protective gear should always be top priority.......

In the end, all the stories have one similarity - THE RIDER!! and operator error...................

[DixiePlowboy]

The only rider training I ever had was riding and wrecking. Back in '82 or '83, you took off and learned to avoid hitting the ground the hard way....by NOT doing what you did last time...lol. I can honestly say that the last 3-wheeler I wrecked was in 1985...a 350X when I was 12 or 13 and that was my fault. There were several before that one though.

Went to a local "ATV" park for the first time yesterday, only to find that it's only open to quads. No dirt bikes or 3-wheelers specifically stated on the sign. My quad-riding/new to 3-wheelers-but now loving them-buddy ranted 5-minutes after we turned around about how unfair that is.

The place doesn't have insurance prohibiting 3-wheelers or bikes. It's just ignorance and misconception on the part of the owner/operator.

That's fine with me. i didn't want to ride in a mud bog anyway, much less pay $15 per machine to do so. Besides, i know another place he rides open to me...no fee....and I'll dust his prissy, lifted mud buggy-riding arse there next time I see him....on behalf of all my outlaw 3-wheeler riding brothers and sisters here.

[Dirtcrasher]

We have a forest here that they only allow dirtbikes.

Anyone thats owned a dirtbike knows that they make ruts, single line DEEP ruts, so why they allow some vehicles and not others has me confused sometimes??

"Tread Lightly" is just fine and a great concept. There are places to get on the gas, and places to ease through without making any more damage or limited damage to the environment. If there making "skate board" parks, why not a dirtbike/ATV/ATC park with funds coming in, maybe including 5$ to park. We'd have no issue with that whatsoever.

Yeah, those 4x4 quads with 27" tires don't harm the environment like those rotten three wheelers do!! :lol:

It's funny, I got the major portion of my track done a few years back. It stands up really well (maybe the type of dirt plays a roll) but everytime I let a guy out there with a dirtbike, I have huge/deep ruts everywhere; Buts thats all they allow in Freetown State Forest, go figure.......................

I rarely have to go out and fix up the face of the jumps, we don't need to power into them to clear a 90' jump. Just nice and easy and you can land flat on the tabletops or gas it enough to clear it.

Although it won't be anytime soon, I plan on making all the jumps larger and longer. I'm getting older but I can still ride OK once I'm loosened up and I HOPE I'm allowed to enjoy my own measly 2.5 acres. Half of that is a track, but who cares! Thats what the land was bought for - PERIOD!!

10 acres would be better, but that's a "someday" thought, certainly not in my near future. At least I border about 50-70 acres of a gun club and they claim the land is ruined from all the lead bullets and will never be sold; I'll deal with the noise to preserve the land and wildlife and you've got no leg to stand on as far as noise from a "dirtbike track" when it borders a gun club :beer. I use to chew the lead from bullets when I was a kid, maybe thats why I'm a lunatic sometimes??!!, but at least I'm a "smart" lunatic :D :lol:
All I know is that I'm just trying to survive in this economy and I'm fortunate for what I have and the past decisions I made :D

[3wheelmecca]

There are NO ATV areas whatsoever in Colorado, northern at least. the closest place is 200 miles away and the vehicle has to have full OHV tags and registration. My buddy had a 250R there and got kicked out at the gate with paperwork. good thing I have 72+ acres of land behind my house too mess around on, but no dunes :(. There is a secret spot though, totally under the table, its almost like a miniature mountain, but no trees, and at the entrance there is a metal scarecrow on top of a 62 chevy suburban that is ratted out. I am trying to muster up the balls to go there.

[Billy Golightly]

This thread motivated me to start working on this http://www.3wheelerworld.com/content.php?248-ATV-Consent-Decree-%28Trike-Ban%29 section. Anyone that is interested in helping/working on it, is more than welcome to. I just ask/request that the writing be articulate and pretty high quality. You guys' senior thesis papers will be fine I'm sure. I'm a high school drop-out so just about anything should pass :lol:


I have much more CPSC press-release resources I will be writing overviews for on in the near future. Some stuff that'll make you guys want to throw rocks at politicians, no doubt.