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The term "all-terrain vehicle" is used to describe a number of small open motorised buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use. The 4-wheeled versions are also called a quad bikes or quads . Models with 3 wheels are called all-terrain (motor)cycles or ATCs. 6 and 8 wheel models exist for specialized applications. The rider sits on these models just like on a motorcycle, but the extra wheels make them more stable at slow speeds.

1 Development of ATVs

Safety issues with 3 wheels caused all manufaturers to switch to 4-wheeled models in the late 80's, and 3-wheel models are no longer made. The lighter weight of the 3-wheel models make them popular with some expert riders. The safety issues were in cornering: having only a single front wheel required the rider to lean to the inside and slow down more than expected, leading to a number of roll over type accidents.

Models today are roughly divided into the sport and utility markets. Sport models are generally small, light, 2 wheel drive, and accelerate fast. Utility models are generally bigger, 4 wheel drive, max out at about 45mph, and have the ability to haul small loads. Due to the different weights, each has advantages on different types of terrain.

Sport models are often built with a mind towards motocross racing, either in the design of the machine or at least in the marketing of it. To be sucessful at motocross racing, a quad must have light weight, high power, good suspension and a low center of gravity. There are many other types of riding and racing such as GNCC (woods racing), Baja (desert racing), hill climbing, and trail riding.

6 wheel models have a small dump bed, with an extra set of wheels at the back to increase the payload capacity. They can be either 4 wheel drive (back wheels driving only), or 6 wheel drive.

There also exist 6 and 8 wheel models where the rider sits inside. These vehicles float and are designed to go through swamps as well as dry land.

2 Criticisms of ATVs

ATVs have become controversial among some groups, namely child-safety advocates, rural landowners, and environmentalists.

Despite the move from 3-wheel to 4-wheel models, some deaths and injuries still occur. Some localities have either banned minors (typically those under 14 years of age) from using ATVs or are considering such legislation. Advocates of ATVs argue that starting younger improves safety. By starting as young as 8 years of age on smaller ATVs, children become much more proficient rather than waiting until age 14.

Often ATV riders go through privately owned property in rural areas. Further, environmentalistsEnvironmentalism is activism aimed at improving the environment, particularly nature. This activism is usually based on the ideology of an environmental movement, and often takes the form of public education programs, advocacy, legislation and treaties. criticize ATV riders for riding through sensitive areas especially wetlandFlorida, USA, with an endangered American Crocodile. In physical geography, a wetland is an environment "at the interface between truly terrestrial ecosystems. and truly aquatic systems. making them different from each yet highly dependent on both" (Mitscs and sand duneAlternate meanings: Dune (novel), Dune (movie), Dune (TV miniseries), Dune (music) or Dune (computer game In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by eolian ( wind-related) processes. Bare dunes are subject to shifting location and size baseds. The deep treads on ATV tires are effective for navigating terrain that is muddy and has tree roots and small rocks. Unfortunately, these treads also dig up soil which:

• digs channels that drain boggy areasA bog is a wetland type that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material. The term peat bog in common usage is not entirely redundant, although it would be proper to call these sphagnum bogs if the peat is comprised mostly of acidophilic moss (peat of water
• tears out fragile plants vital for maintaining the integrity of sand dunes

To address these land usage concerns, ATVs organizations have been springing up to:

• purchase property and/or obtain permission of landowners
• build and maintain trails suitable for ATV riding
• educate ATV riders about responsible riding

Unfortunately, as with watercraftWatercraft is a general term for transportation that floats on water. See also: boat ship canoe raft kayak gondola catamaran cat boat personal watercraft. and snowmobileYellowstone National Park NPS Photo A snowmobile is a land vehicle propelled by one or two rubber tracks, with skis for steering. They are designed to be operated on snow and ice, and require no road or trail. Most snowmobiles are powered by two-stroke gas operators, a few irresponsible people (derogatively called yahooThis article is about the fictional species. For the search engine, see Yahoo In Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift, a yahoo is a vile and savage creature, filthy and with unpleasant habits, resembling human beings far too closely for the liking of Lemus) assert their right to ride anywhere and, given the recreationalTigers playing in the water Recreation is the employment of time in a non-profitable way, in many ways also a refreshment of one's body or mind. Recreation is often distinguished from leisure. Where leisure is, or ought to be, restful, recreation is refre role of these vehicles, even operate the vehicles while intoxicated. This mindset is exacerbated by marketing that uses names like Predator and Outlaw and uses advertising emphasizing unrestricted stunt-like riding in wilderness areas.