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TESTIMONY OF THE AMERICAN ALL - TERRAIN VEHICLE ASSOCIATION

BEFORE THE COMMERCE , CONSUMER , AND MONETARY AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE

OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

May 21 , 1985 Presented by Roy Janson

Motorized recreation is a popular activity enjoyed by millions of Americans who utilize snowmobiles , off - road motorcycles and all terrain vehicles ( ATVS ) . Evidence of this popularity is demon strated by the rapid increase in sales of ATVS during the past decade marked by sales exceeding two million all - terrain vehicles during this period . While the range of ATVS includes a variety of vehicle types , the vast majority are of the three - wheel design which is the primary area of interest of the ongoing Consumer Product Safety Commission ( CPSC ) investigation .

int cosc review ist informati avalle

A significant amount of publicity has been generated since the formal initiation of the CPSC review of injuries resulting from the use of three - wheel ATVs . Much of this information ( and misinforma tion ) has centered on the range of alternatives available to CPSC in addressing this issue including a possible ban on the sale of three - wheel ATVS . The American All - Terrain Vehicle Association ( AATVA ) and its members are deeply concerned about both the reported injury rates associated with ATV use and with the possible loss of recreational opportunity for ATV owners which may result from the CPSC actions .

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Organization of American All - Terrain Vehicle Association

The American All - Terrain Vehicle Association is a subsidiary of the American Motorcyclist Association ( AMA ) , a non - profit corporation . The AATVA was established in 1983 in response to the increased popularity of all - terrain vehicles . Between 1980 and 1983 the AMA observed an increasing presence of ATVs at its sanctioned motorcycle competition events . This trend led to its chartered clubs and promoters creating ATV racing classes and finally a demand in some locales for the organization of exclusive ATV races . The development of a rulebook and the establishment of supervised ATV racing procedures became necessary . Together with our parent organization , we represent more than 14 , 000 members who own and operate ATVs . In addition to their participation in competition events , our members utilize ATVs for other recreational pursuits such as trail riding and for access for hunting and fishing .

Beyond its racing program , and in conjunction with its parent organization , the AATVA speaks on behalf of ATV owners for