Minnesota?s ATV Community ~ 2020 ? A Shared Vision

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Minnesota?s vast public lands and tourist industry provide an ideal place for ATV use. ATV usage has grown in the state from an estimated 75,000 registered riders in 1985 to more than 350,000 riders in 2005. In fact, 1 in 14 Minnesotans are ATV riders.
ATV riders are a diverse, responsible group of individuals who use ATVs for a variety of purposes, both utilitarian and recreational. By 2020, it is expected that more than half a million Minnesotans will regularly enjoy recreational ATV riding.
 
Economic Impact
ATV riding represents a large and growing economic benefit to Minnesota, currently $641.9 million annually. This economic impact will continue to grow as more people discover recreational riding on designated trails and additional opportunities for ATV use are made available.

Minnesota is also home to two major international ATV manufacturers, Polaris and Arctic Cat, which jointly employ 5,600 individuals. Additionally, hundreds of dealers, suppliers, and after-market shops in Minnesota employ thousands of additional people.
 
Who are the members of Minnesota?s ATV community?
ATV riders are found in every part of Minnesota. They include farmers, sportsmen, small businesspeople, blue collar workers, and professionals from rural Minnesota, suburban towns, and the state?s largest cities.

ATV riders represent all ages, ranging from teens who ride smaller machines and who have completed educational programs all the way to senior citizens who are able to better enjoy the state?s natural resources aided by an ATV.

More than 10,000 ATV riders are members of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM), a non-profit organization founded in 1983 that endorses responsible ATV use and its benefits to the local economy, and promotes regulations and legislation that benefit ATV riders in the state. ATVAM is the umbrella organization for nearly 70 local clubs, which organize riding, educational and networking opportunities for ATV riders in communities throughout Minnesota.

As previously stated, Minnesota is home to two major international manufacturers and their employees, dealers, suppliers and vendors. Minnesota also has one of the largest after-market accessory markets in the country. These businesses and their employees are extremely important members of Minnesota?s ATV community.

Minnesota?s ATV community is even larger than the riders, manufacturers and dealers. The state?s ATV community also includes resort owners and other businesses that cater to tourists.
 
What does Minnesota?s ATV community stand for?
Minnesota?s ATV community stands for:
 
1. Responsible riding;
2. Sustainable trail development to protect our natural resources;
3. Safety and environmental education; and
4. Contributing to a thriving tourism industry in the state.
 
What are ATVs used for?
Trail riding is the most popular recreational use for ATVs, but ATVs are also used in a variety of other ways, including hunting, ice fishing, maple syrup collection, berry picking, bird watching, and photography.

ATVs are also used for a variety of utilitarian purposes, which include farming, construction work, utility work, other commercial purposes, and more. ATVs are also used by law enforcement, the National Guard, and the Armed Forces. Individuals also use ATVs for mowing, snow removal, and gardening.
 
What is the future of recreational ATV riding in Minnesota?
Minnesota?s ATV community is working at the local and state levels to develop a sustainable, designated ATV trail system in order to increase recreational riding opportunities, bring more structure and discipline to the sport, and promote tourism in Minnesota communities.
 
The three main components of these efforts are:
1. Trails: Recreational ATV trail riding is a fun and growing sport for individuals and families. The sport also makes an important economic contribution to Minnesota?s tourism industry, and ATV riders are working to increase the number of trails open to ATV riders to a number similar to nearby markets in Wisconsin and Canada.
2. Education: As Minnesota?s ATV community grows, it continues to support additional safety and environmental educational programs for youth and riders with repeat violations that will create responsible and aware ATV riders. Minnesota?s ATV community also supports ongoing evaluation of these programs as the ATV riding population and trail system grows.
3. Enforcement: Enforcement efforts will improve as the Minnesota ATV community?s education efforts continue, and as more ATV trails are designated. Strong enforcement goes hand-in-hand with trail expansion and education efforts.