SPD promotes ATV safety Community News by Calvin Tiger - February 5, 2025February 5, 2025 SPD Officer Keith Stripling shows Ayze Henry the importance of checking ATV tires and air pressure during the Big Cypress Public Safety ATV class on Jan. 11. (Calvin Tiger) BIG CYPRESS — The Seminole Police Department conducted its first safety class for ATV riders in the tribal community Jan. 11 at the Big Cypress Public Safety building. The class was instructed by SPD officers Keith Stripling and Orenthial Nicholson. In a classroom, Stripling gave attendees an ATV safety booklet and discussed basic safety information for ATV riders. Helmets, gloves and goggles were provided at the start. Outside, Stripling conducted an ATV inspection for those who brought their own ATVs. The inspection consisted of the TLOC method (tires and wheels, controls and cables, lights and electronics, oil and fuel, chain and driveshaft chassis). Striping also talked about the importance of having tools ATVs in the event of unforeseen repair while out riding on a trail. After the inspection, the first riding course consisted of straight line breaking. This course instructed the rider to ride in a straight line and brake at a certain point, to not skid or lose control of the ATV. The second exercise was a wide turn around a figure eight pattern of cones in which the ATV rider used a wide left or right turn using the “Rider Active” function. The function utilizes the shift of the riders to right or left depending on the turn taking place to keep the ATV as stable as possible. Officer Stripling instructs Wyatt Bruised Head proper ATV riding during the Big Cypress Public Safety ATV class. (Calvin Tiger) The third exercise consisted of more in-depth training of turning even more aggressively while also using the “Rider Active” function. Riders moved forward and reversed around the figure eight pattern. The fourth and final exercise was “The Serpentine,” which focused on having the rider go around tight turns and experience the use of a throttle while maneuvering around the cones and moving both forward and reverse while making sure the rider always keeps both hands on the handlebars. “The purpose of this training is to equip riders with the knowledge, skills and ability necessary to operate an ATV responsibly and safely minimizing the risk of accidents and serious injuries,” Stripling said. “By teaching and practicing proper riding techniques, we hope to keep the members of our community safe. Recognizing hazards, practicing emergency maneuvers, and always assessing the terrain in which you ride, will promote a safer riding experience and potentially prevent any accidents. SPD acknowledges the fact that most tribal members have been riding ATV and SXS for years, we are hoping that providing this class will promote safer riding with fewer incidents and be an enjoyable experience for all participants.” A similar safety class was scheduled for Jan. 18 in Brighton. Ada Bruised Head learns about air filter and cover during a safety inspection. (Calvin Tiger) Share on Facebook Share Share on TwitterTweet Share on Pinterest Share Share on LinkedIn Share Share on Digg Share