Nevada Outdoor School asks OHV commission to expand Ride Safe Ride Smart helmet and training program

Nevada Outdoor School asked the commission for funding to expand its Ride Safe Ride Smart (RSRS) program, which combines free online OHV certification, youth helmet distribution and on‑the‑ground skills training and ambassador‑building.

Outreach director Jessie said the organization distributed more than 300 free youth helmets this year and plans to distribute 600 more over the next two years with commission support. Jessie also said the group has developed a Nevada‑specific online OHV certification in partnership with a third‑party vendor and plans classroom lessons aimed at middle and high school students about helmet use and safety. "For the first time in 7 years, there's been no pediatric deaths related to OHVs," Jessie told the commission as an outcome the program seeks to expand.

Executive director Mel explained the budget request covers educator time, travel to rural communities, program materials, trailer/ATV maintenance and modest indirect costs to support two offices and reporting requirements. The presenters emphasized partnerships with medical centers, AmeriCorps educators and public land managers, and said metrics collected to date include course completions and helmet distribution surveys showing strong parental support for helmet use (92% of respondents in their helmet distribution surveys). Commissioners asked about land‑management letters and details of the online course provider; presenters said they hold a statewide BLM assistance agreement for field activities and use Calchemy as the online course platform and try to provide the course free to attendees via grant funds.