THE OIL REGION ATV ASSOCIATION
Enjoy the Thrill of the Ride with ORATVA
It's Finally Time!
The Oil Region ATV Association has officially begun our "soft start". Permits will be available at the County Treasure's office in the courthouse annex on August 4th. Make sure to bring all of your paperwork! License, registration, insurance, etc. Check the example of the permit application to know what all you'll need.
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We are considering this a “soft start” because there are still a lot of missing pieces. We are still working with Penndot to get sections of state road approved, so for the time being, only participating township roads will be legally accessible. This means there will be gaps in where you can legally ride to, at the moment.
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Because it is mowing/tar and chip season, townships will be putting their signage up as they get the chance.
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Remember, it is technically illegal until the road signs are installed. We will post continuous updates as townships get their signs installed.
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It is a rider’s responsibility to check the ordinances and map of townships they will be riding through, so that they remain on legal roads. Ordinances and maps of townships can all be found here on our website.
Check the new Maps page here!
Check the Ordinance page here!
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Please ride respectfully and responsibly. The smoother this goes, the more townships will open their roads, meaning more and more riding opportunities.
Apply ONLINE now for your permit or use the Downloadable permit application and waiver below and bring it in person to the Venango County treasurer's office. Feel free to print and fill both of these out at home to save time at the Treasurer's Office
What ORATVA Is Up To
Not an accurate map. Once planning is complete, a detailed map will be uploaded.
What We Are Currently Doing & who we are
The ORATV Board is made up of dedicated community volunteers who share a common mission: expanding safe and responsible riding opportunities throughout Venango County. We are not a government entity, nor are we directly affiliated with any local or state agency. However, we work collaboratively with PENNDOT, DCNR, and the Venango County Commissioners to ensure full compliance with all applicable state and local regulations.
Our board members serve without compensation, and all funds collected are allocated as outlined below to support trail development, road maintenance, and program operations.
The ORATV Association has just launched our ONLINE SALES to this program. Townships are still getting their signage installed and we are working closely with Penndot, DCNR & County commissioners to get approval to use sections of state road as connection points & open more riding opportunities. ​
​We’re excited and now more motivated than ever to keep this process moving. We can see the economic benefits it will bring to the area. This will allow outside money to come pouring into local businesses, as well as give residents and non-residents alike, a fantastic new recreation opportunity.​
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As of right now, we do not have any dedicated off-road trails planned. That being said, we are quite hopeful for the future and will continue pursuing that goal. We believe once private land owners see the value this activity can bring, they will be more receptive to leasing their land.
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Make sure you continue to check this site to keep track of our progress and stay up to date. (We also have social media if you’re into that.)
Get the whole gang together and explore our beautiful small towns.
Take a ride to some truly gorgeous locations. Get out and connect with nature, and enjoy the wind on your face.
The Membership
To utilize this activity legally, you will need to purchase a membership tag for each of your machines. The tags are unique to machines, so keep that in mind if any reckless thoughts enter that skull of yours. If you are recorded tearing up someone’s yard, or going recklessly fast, these memberships can and will be revoked. (Plus the fines associated with that.) There will be trail cams set up at problem areas.
Don’t miss out on countless hours of riding just for 2 minutes of stupidity.
(Being tied to a machine also means you need to consider who you let borrow it)
How much does it cost?
$50 in person at the Venango county treasures office, $60 online.
Permits are valid January-December. This does mean if you buy a tag in June that it is only good for 6 months.
Permits can be purchased early so that you don’t miss out on any riding.
We are also working on the idea of having your membership gaining you some fun perks at businesses along the trails.
Such as a free bag of ice with any beverage purchase, or 10% off your meal; stuff like that.
Where can I get a Permit?
Tags will be purchasable at the Venango county treasures office in the Courthouse Annex building in Franklin, Pa or buy online today. We are hoping to get the powersports stores & Notary's to be able to sell tags in the future as well.
Where does the money for that membership tag go?
Are the directors getting a nice big check from all this?
Unfortunately, no, we don't get a check at all. All board members and executive committee members of ORATV are volunteer/non paid positions. The way we have this non-profit set up means we can't dip into our own supply. This helps keep people off the board for financial reasons and lets people know we are serious about what we set out to do.
Let's break down the money. $8.00 goes directly to the county for administrative costs related to issuing all those tags. $20 is set aside in a large pool to then be paid out annually to the townships. This gives them incentive to stay with the plan, because now they suddenly get a nice check every year to help with road maintenance or other township projects. The leftover $23.50 stays with the Association for something really fun. We'll save up this money so that the next time a large chunk of land comes up for sale we can buy it to put off-road trails on. The money will also be spent on road signs and trail cams as needed. As well as non-profit insurance and a whole slew of other little costs that come from being an organization. The additional $10 "convenience" fee for online purchases goes to credit card & E-commerce fees, postage and additional data entry associated with online sales. Permits are available for walk in customers at the Venango County treasures office for $50
We want to do this correctly the first time. We don’t want growing pains and angry residents. This has the opportunity to be a fantastic resource for years and years to come. To make sure that happens we have to implement a healthy amount of rules, which are listed below. This really isn’t us trying to live out some power fantasy, it’s us trying to make sure one of our favorite pastimes is here to stay, and is enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, there’s a lot of older retired folks that just want to putt down to their favorite restaurant. This is as much for them as it is for you, so stay kind and be respectful.
Rules & Regs
Insurance
Each machine must have a MINIMUM of liability insurance coverage
Registration
Each machine must have a current registration, and proof of that registration
ORATVA Tag
Your membership tag must be visible and attached to the front of your vehicle. (Passenger side windshield for side-by-sides and front left fender for 4-wheelers)
Exhaust
Mufflers must keep your exhaust below 99 decibels when measured at 20 inches.
Rules Of The Road
While utilizing township roads, you are obligated to follow standard traffic laws. (That means no going 60mph in a 25mph zone just because you’re on a Polaris 900)
Age Restrictions
Drivers must be at least 16 years of age to utilize township roads as per state law.
Helmets
The state wants to keep traumatic and fatal accidents to a minimum. So, yes, that does mean you’re required to wear a helmet while operating your machine.
Other Rules
I will list other rules and regulations here in the future
Other Rules
I will list other rules and regulations here in the future
For a complete list of rules and regulations as per DCNR you can find that here.
Nearly all DCNR rules apply to ORATV membership.
An unmodified ATV should already meet all mechanical regulations.
Suggestions & Common Sense
01
This is 100% a luxury, and not a right. If too many people act up and cause a headache for the townships, they can and will pull their support. So please be smart and respectful, so everyone can have a good time. If people follow the rules, and show landowners they have nothing to worry about, they’ll be much more open to letting us set up off-road trails!
02
Please keep any loose papers/trash secured on your ATV. We don’t want your litter. (Litter fines can be up to $1000!)
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If you do have a modified exhaust system and don’t want people reporting you for it being too loud, drive past residential areas at low RPMs.
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For the love of all things holy, do not “pop wheelies” in residential areas.
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We all know how fun it is to press the gas and “drift” on dirt roads. If we have 100's of people doing this, it can quickly cause erosion on the road. So... please don’t.
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A large, LARGE portion of this trail consists of paved roads. You should probably change your tires to match that fact. Knobby tires on pavement isn’t a good time for anyone.
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Venango is a rural county with a fair amount of farmland. Keep your eyes on the road as it is possible for cattle to have escaped. Your Can-Am Maverick won’t fair too well against a 2,000lb cow. This warning goes double for deer if you are riding during the evening or night.
Code Of Conduct
These will be part of your membership application. A signature is required, stating you understand and will follow this Code of Conduct.
01
Obey all laws; Federal, State, and local. No excessive speed. Membership permit stickers must be always visible.
02
Respect all people, personal property, wildlife, and the environment.
03
Follow all rules of safety while riding. Report any other rider that is not obeying the code of conduct to a director.
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Be courteous and careful while approaching others while riding. Keep trails clean and safe. Let pedestrians, people with horses or dogs, bicycles, and cars have the right of way. If necessary, turn off your machine near horses and other animals.
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Members/riders shall not interfere with or harass hunters, fishermen, sportsmen, landowners, or other individuals.
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Individuals who disobey the law or the association code of conduct may be subject to suspension or revocation of club membership.
CONTACT US
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about ORATVA, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team of directors is always happy to help.