Children 16 and over are being encouraged to take up free quad bike safety training with the goal of reducing the risk of what has become one of the biggest killers on Australian farms. 

SafeWork NSW is delivering over 400 free training events for quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles to regional and remote schools in NSW.

It’s a welcome approach to quad bike safety in a run of various attempts at making the motorbikes safer to use, with newly introduced safety aspects such as operator protection devices (OPDS) being at the centre. 

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the program will provide practical skills for young people operating high-risk vehicles on farms and at work.

“These types of vehicles can be dangerous, and that is why this Youth Week we are encouraging young people to take part in this free training. Students and their teachers will be taught how to safely use and maintain quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles,” Ms Petinos said.

The free on-day training course provides nationally recognised certification of safe quad bike use, including operation, pre-start procedures and maintenance. 

Delivered in partnership with Tocal College, programs can be delivered on the college or alternatively, interested groups can register to have the course delivered on their property. 

“Tragically, since 2011 there have been 168 quad bike deaths in the country, 43 of those in New South Wales. 15 per cent of fatalities are children under the age of 16,” Ms Petinos said.

A number of reforms have been introduced since 2020 to raise the standards of quad bike safety, including ensuring that both new and second-hand imported general use quad bikes sold in Australia are fitted with an OPDS.

“I encourage all eligible students and teachers to take part in this free one-day course. While quad bikes are great farming vehicles, they are also the biggest killer on Australian farms and must be operated with care.”

Both students and farmers may be eligible for the free course, and will receive a free safety compliant helmet.

Other aspects of the NSW Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program include rebates of up to $2,000 for eligible producers to cover safety improvements, including towards an side-by-side vehicle, quad bike OPDS, drone or helmet. 

Students, teachers and producers can register their interest for the training program here.