A Brief History of ATVs

ATVs were developed in Japan so that isolated farmers could transport their crops and supplies across rugged terrain. Their popularity spread to the United States and Canada.

• In 1969, Honda^® introduced the All-Terrain Cycle (ATC) in the United States. The ATC had three fat wheels and was promoted as a recreational vehicle.
• After 1988, ATVs fell somewhat out of favor as a recreational vehicle because of a Consumer Products Safety Commission report. ATV riders were involved in a disproportionately high number of injury accidents due to rider immaturity, inexperience, and lack of safety training.
• More recently, a new generation of recreational riders, with a growing awareness of safety, has rediscovered the fun of ATVs.
• While newer ATVs may have better safety features than their predecessors, they also have faster, better-performing engines that make safety an even more critical issue to be addressed by all responsible riders.