Let’s play another game of “find the difference.”

Here’s the Vermont state snowmobile law governing age restrictions for ATV’s and sledding. See if you can see how it differs from Massachusetts.

Incidentally, the Vermont laws are considered leaders for sledding and ATV’s by leading snowmobile organizations in Massachusetts, including the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (SAM), so you have to wonder why Mass feels it necessary to go further than their mentors…

Vermont Snowmobile & ATV Restrictions

(7) By a child under eight years of age unless he or she is on land owned by his or her parents, family, or legal guardian.

(8) By a person born after July 1, 1983, on private or public land and water without first obtaining a certificate of snowmobile education, unless he or she is operating on land owned, leased or farmed by his or her parents, family or guardian or the operator is the land owner.

(A) A person who is required to have a certificate of snowmobile education shall:

(i) possess the certificate when operating a snowmobile on public or private lands and waters of the state; and

(ii) show the certificate on demand of an enforcement officer wearing an insignia identifying him or her as a law enforcement officer. However, no person charged with violating this subdivision shall be convicted if the person produces in court, to the officer, or to a state’s attorney, a certificate which was valid at the time the violation occurred.

(B) The following persons are exempt from the requirements of this subdivision:

(i) a person is operating on land owned by his or her parents, family, or guardian or the operator is the landowner;

(ii) any other person exempted by rules of the department of public safety;

(iii) any person who is under the direct supervision of a certified snowmobile safety instructor;

(iv) a child not yet 12 years of age, but not younger than eight when under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who shall be liable for the actions of the child.

Vermont Snowmobile Law Resources

You can read the full text of the law here:

Vermont Snowmobile Laws

You can also read the State’s Snowmobile Operator’s manual, which summarizes and then details the law, here:

Vermont Snowmobile Operator’s Manual

Do you see the major difference yet?

Not to be totally cheap here, but I’m not really going to write a new post today.  I’d rather keep the last post alive a bit longer, because I think it’s really an important conversation.

This is the conversation about whether kids should ride snowmobiles; as in, how fair is it for the law to regulate whether or not kids can legally ride snowmobiles–not just on the trails, anywhere.  You may not know it, but in some states kids cannot legally ride snowmobiles, even child-sized ones, and not even on their parents’ own land.  Is that fair?

You can read what I think about kids riding snowmobiles, and also see what readers like Tom Remington have to say.  Here’s a taste of our conversation in the comments:

Should It Be Illegal For Kids to Ride Snowmobiles?

Tom did a pretty good job of summing up my opinion:

Bingo! I’m one of those stupid conservatives Mary who trust people and believe that people, if left alone, will solve their problems and the last thing any family needs is government telling them when to wash their kid’s face.
It’s up to the parent but the obsessed control freaks who can’t seem to stand individual freedom have a compelling need to make sure you do what they say…..or else.

To which I replied,

… It is more and more coming to my attention how I am allowing these people to rule my family’s life. I’m not just talking about laws like this, but even the fear that these laws and society subconsciously instill in you and prevent you from letting your kids have real, meaningful experiences.

For example, I’m forever not letting my kids do things they should be doing–letting boys be boys–for no better reason than what the ER doc will think. Seriously. It took me up until about 3 months ago to realize that there was no reason my 9 yr old boy shouldn’t have a jack knife. I had not given him one before because I thought, “what if he cuts himself? What kind of a mother will they think I am when I have to take him in for stitches!?” I finally realized that a cut on the finger–even one requiring stitches–was no big freaking deal in the grand scheme of things, and it was a chance we just had to let happen.

Last year my hub agreed that the boys could have a small hatchet and handsaw for fort-building and the like. I reluctantly agreed, but told him when they get cut I’m calling him from work to take them to the ER because I wasn’t going to be the one facing the doctors and telling them it was a parent-sanctioned event. Then I thought how stupid that was. We give them rules (cut nothing bigger around than your fist), we teach them how to use the things safely, why shouldn’t they have them? And you know what? A year later, no one has gotten cut! (My son did cut his finger while carving with the knife, but noting deep, and no band-aid even required).

Amazingly, life is going on. Even though my kids ride snowmobiles, carve with knives, and cut down trees and build forts.

Now, if the government would spend more time keeping sex offenders from repeating their crimes, I might start to agree with their idea of child protection laws.

What’s your opinion?  Comment here or on the original post, but please do tell me if you think I’m completely out of line, or if you agree that we should be given more credit [and rights] as parents.

Every state [with snow] has its own set of regulations governing who can and cannot ride snowmobiles. Some states are quite liberal–mostly those states that embrace the support as a family recreation and rely on its health and well-being as an income source– and others are quite restrictive (we won’t mention names, Massachusetts, but I’m sure there are others). For the record, do note that I have told you time and again that we ride in Maine even though we are Mass residents, so I won’t tell you that my young children ride in Massachsetts.

Why won’t I tell you that? Because that would be illegal. Thank you, great state, for taking away one of my rights as a parent–the right to let my children ride recreational vehicles as I see fit. Understand, too, that this doesn’t just apply to snowmobiles. This applies to all types of recreational vehicles, including ATV’s, and all sizes, including snowmobiles and ATV’s designed specifically for children–even those that govern down to 5 or 8 miles per hour. It doesn’t, however, apply to the battery-operated “toy” types that are less well built and go just as fast.

What I Think About Kids Riding Snowmobiles And ATV’s

I won’t bore you by rattling off all the laws of all the states; I’ll leave you to your own devices to find out what laws might apply to you (you might be surprised). Or maybe I’ll do that another day. For today I just want to talk about this in general. But I can tell you that the Massachusetts law is so restrictive that no child under 12 can ride legally in the state–even on your own property! Not even in sanctioned and approved racing events, either. Even at age 12 the law is restricting, and the ages for real riding increase to more like 14 to 16.

In case you haven’t guessed what I think about this yet, I think it is crap. I think that for a few reasons. The first of which is my parental rights being decided by another. Aside from beating my children and other reasonable leglities, I don’t like that. I don’t like it when other peple tell me how my kids should be raised. Especially people that know little to nothing about my lifestyle.

However, I’ve got better reasons, too. I believe that when you start kids young and teach them well they learn well. They learn how to enjoy a sport like snowmobiling and they learn from a responsible adult how to do it safely. At age five my child will listen to me. At age 16 that same child, placed with a high-horsepower sled under his thumb for the first time, will nod impatiently and gun the throttle. Lessons be damned.

Kids learn better at an early age. They have more respect for teachers and parents at an early age. And they have more fear of getting hurt. This is somehting you can capitalize on when kids start riding and respecting the ride from a young age. But it’s a window of opportunity that is missed by the time they are teenagers.

In my own humble opinion I think the states do a great disservice to children when they limit their snowmobiling opportunities when they are young. They mistakenly take away an important window of opportunity that could be used for far more good.

What do you think? Agree or disagree, but tell me why. Comments are open below.

Is it right to make this illegal?

Because I don’t live where I sled this was a little lost on me, but the sled trails that are such an integral part of my winter alter-ego are great for year-round enjoyment.  I discovered this this past (long) weekend when we took off on an impromptu trip to Maine for the Fouth of July.

What Else Is A Snowmobile Trail Good For?

Maine’s snowmobile trails are places of beauty, serenity (until we get there ), and natural wonder.  I’m sure the same is true of many other trail systems, but many of Maine’s sled trails are so well maintained that they are better than a lot of the roads that I drive on around here in the backwoods of Massachusetts (that’s no lie!).  They’re wide, smooth, and go on forever.  They are excellent for ATV’s, obviously (at least the trails that are open to them) and also for walking, hiking, nature hunting, and biking.

I was so drawn to my winter wonderland that yesterday, when I woke up to a clear, cool, low-humidity morning (something else Mass hasn’t seen in a good while), I decided to take off to our main point of departure.  I grabbed the two older kids on their bikes and two of the dogs (mine and Mom’s)–on their feet, they’re not that talented, and walked up the road and down the trail.  This meant delaying our departure to home by about an hour, and sitting in increasing holiday toll traffic at the Southern Maine tolls for even longer, but it was worth it!

Having easy access to trails must be a real benefit to living near where the riding is great and uninhibited. The best thing is that there was no traffic.  Even if we had met ATV’s (which we didn’t until we were back on the main road) we would have heard them in plenty of time.  I felt much better about having my kids bike there than on the roadside.

I do have pictures of this little adventure to share, but that’ll have to wait until I can find time to unload the old memory card.  For now, I’m chalking this up to reason #456 on the ‘Move to Maine’ side.

On this topic of letting kids go outdoors, I find myself evaluating why this is important.  Here’s one of the things I came up with.

The Outdoors Means Freedom

When I was young one of the best reasons to be outside and be gone was to regain a sense of freedom and composure.  I could think and play and do and not be bothered by anyone else.  I had time to regain my sanity.  I’m thinking lately that that is something my kids are missing, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that there is no free outside exploration going on.

Let’s think about this.  I have 4 kids.  We own a little over half an acre.  It’s a 3+ bedroom house.  Nice, even large by some standards of living, but after a while it all starts to close in.  I have 4 kids that are hardly ever–unless they’re in school, which they’re not now–more than 1/2 an acre away from each other.  And I wonder why those older two just can’t get along (as is I should wonder…I had siblings!).

I have a serious inclination that if my kids were given a little more free reign that behavior and atittude would improve.  And creativity would increase.  They’d figure out, like many of us did who grew up outside, that you have to find ways to entertain yoruself and find ways to respectfully utilize what you’re given.  But most of all, my kids could feel more free and confident, and more in control.

I have raised all my kids to be fairly independent, and I by no means lead everything they do, but nevertheless the immediate presence of adults takes its toll. One way or another, I always impart my infulence, even if it’s only subconsciously.

I’m sure that as a community of sledders here we can get this.  Freedom is why we ride, in part.  I would be very surprised if there was a sledder here who arugued that with me.  That freedom is part of why I’m not sure communicators are a good idea–if I had one people could be talking to me and breaking my mood.  I have enough talk at home.

I think it’s important to find ways to give my kids some freedom within reasonable bounds.  I think if more kids could experience personal freedom, away from the interference of adults, we’d be raising a more independent and thoughtful society of kids.  It’s a little scary to consider the alternative.

Although I’d love to pack it up and head north to find some of that great Late Season Riding, it’s just not going to happen.  (My niece might frown on that since her wedding is Saturday and Josselyn is her flower girl.)  So that leaves me a bit at a loss for things to talk about (although you could help if you’d comment and let me know what you want to hear!) and also a little bummed, wondering what I should do now.  The weather is warming so spring clean-up and gardening are becoming [less great than sledding] options, as is catching up on some well-intentioned reading.

I am a bit excited to get into this book, one of my latest Amazon.com purchases, and since I think it will appeal to many of you here on SledChix and at the network, I thought I’d share.

The book is called Last Child In The Woods - Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv.  (No that’s not a real disorder, but an invention of the author; I don’t think he’s far off, though.)  It’s all about the fact that our kids are increasingly disconnected from nature, and about how they (and we) are paying the price.

I haven’t made it far into the book yet, but just the introduction has about a hundred choice quotes any outdoor-loving parent can appreciate; like this, for example:

“Nature inspires creativity in a child by demanding visualization and full use of the senses.  Given a chance, a child will bring the confusion of the world to the woods, wash it in a creek, turn it over to see what lives on the unseen side of that confusion.”

Of course, not many kids have or take that chance anymore… 

I’ll let you know more once I get into the book, but I think it’s safe to say it’s worth a read as food for thought.

The Maine Snowmobile Association, in cooperation with the Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Department, has made available a free snowmobile safety CD.  It’s an interactoive CD aimed at educating snowmobilers to Ride Safe.  It’s being promoted as a tool for sledders new and old, and for snowmobilers looking for tools to help educate their children in regards to safe riding practices.

 The CD itself is free for anyone in the US and Canada, but there is a cost to ship it.  To avoid the measly $5 shipping fee you can pick one up in person at an MSA location or event.

Here’s the low-down from the MSA:

Interactive Snowmobile Safety CD

INTERACTIVE SAFETY CD

Since the MSA and IF&W introduced the Ride Right, Ride Smart interactive snowmobile safety CD several years ago, thousands of snowmobilers have used this fun and innovative product to increase their safety knowledge. The program is designed for use on your personal computer, allowing you, your friends and family to take the course in your own home! Copies of the CD have been supplied to every middle and high school library in the state of Maine for the use of snowmobiling young people state-wide.
The course leads the rider on a virtual snowmobile trip across Maine. Using video and displayed text, the student learns the basics of snowmobile safety along the way. At various times on the trip, the rider must refuel their sled by taking a short quiz. Upon completion of the course, the rider can print out the tests and a completion certificate.
The CD is being distributed free of charge at the MSA office, 7 Noyes Place in Augusta, at the IF&W Info Center on State St. in Augusta, and at MSA meetings and events. If you wish to have a copy of the CD mailed to you (U.S./Canada only, please), we ask that you include $5 to cover postage and packaging. Send your request, mailing address and $5 per CD to: Safety CD, MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332. If you require a Mac-compatible version of the CD, please note this on your request. (Fees waived for educators, librarians, youth/scout leaders, corporate safety committees, etc. - contact the MSA with your requests.)
The Ride Right, Ride Smart Safety CD was produced by Ursus Productions. Funding for the $20,000+ project was supplied by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, IF&W Dedicated Snowmobile Enforcement Fund and the MSA’s Brian Wass Safety Education Fund.

*****

 You can also access the safety video directly through the Maine If&W website and view online.

More great and low-cost ways to teach and educate about safe snowmobiling!

Can you remember your first crash?  Did it look something like this?

  Don’t worry, the sled wasn’t hurt.  Oh yeah, and neither was Joss

I haven’t actually crashed yet, but I have buried my sled off-course a time or two.  I’m hoping that remains the worst of my worries, but I’m sure my day will come.

So how about it?  Care to share?  Any good tales about your first crash?  We’d love to know, and you can always remain anonymous if you want to.  (But remember if we know you there’s always the chance we’ll recognize the tale :)! )

Thanks to winter come early (at least earlier than the past few years), many places are riding already that otherwise would not be.  I’d love to know who’s gotten out there! We’ve got readers here from all over, so please do come out of the wood work and share–

Where do you live?  (or) Where do you ride? 

Are You Riding Yet?

I’m in Massachusetts (not really by choice anymore…).  We’ve actually go snow, but we’re just starting to get to the point where you might consider trail riding.

There’s more than enough for the 120’s, though!  The  kids are having a blast carving a ring around my lawn!

   Finally!  Pics of the Pink Ride!  Joss finally saw some daytime action this weekend!

  Of course, Tim couldn’t wait for her to get her picture taken!