Right Rider Access Fund awards $597,209 to 21 OHV projects

By AI, Created 11:39 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Right Rider Access Fund is sending $597,209 to 21 off-highway vehicle projects nationwide to support trail work, rider education and access preservation. The grants back state, local and national organizations working to keep riding areas open, safer and better maintained.

Why it matters: - The $597,209 grant round funds work that keeps OHV trails open, usable and safer. - The money supports trail maintenance, rider education and access projects on public lands nationwide. - The grants also back youth safety efforts and responsible riding programs.

What happened: - The Right Rider Access Fund awarded $597,209 to 21 projects across the country. - The grants were announced April 29, 2026, in Irvine, California. - RRAF is backed by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. - The fund directs industry-supported money to national, state and local organizations working on OHV access and safety.

The details: - A major share of the funding will go to trail maintenance and restoration. - Supported work includes trail grooming, bridge rebuilding, vegetation management, fire mitigation, signage and equipment for ongoing trail stewardship. - Recipients in this category include BLM Ukiah Field Office, Deschutes County 4-Wheelers, Keweenaw ATV Club, Nevada Offroad Association, Northwest Motorcycle Association, Restore Trails/PWORA, Riverside State Park, Roseau Lake of the Woods Sportsman’s Club, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and Southern Trail Advocates and Riders. - Another set of grants supports safety education, rider training and youth-focused initiatives. - Recipients in that group include Alliance for Trail Vehicles of Maine, California Outdoor Recreation Foundation, Carlton County Riders ATV Club, Central Colorado Mountain Riders, Nevada Outdoor School and Ravalli County Off Road User Association. - A third category covers stewardship and access efforts that expand riding opportunities and promote responsible recreation. - Recipients in this group include Friends of Oceano Dunes, Maine ATV Coalition, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Tread Lightly! and Quiet Warrior Racing. - RRAF says it was created in 2011 to promote safe, responsible OHV use and preserve access to appropriate lands. - RRAF says its grants directly support trail maintenance, rider education and community-based projects across the country.

Between the lines: - The funding mix points to a broad strategy: maintain physical trail systems, build rider skills and support long-term access advocacy. - Taylor said the grants will support direct on-the-ground maintenance on state and federal public lands. - Taylor also said the funds will help develop and spread more education about trail layout, design and maintenance. - Taylor said the most important use of the grants is supporting safe OHV operation, especially for kids.

What’s next: - RRAF directs readers to RiderFund.org for more information. - Donations can be made at RiderFund.org/donate. - The 2026 projects are expected to move forward through local and regional partners already working on trails, training and access.

The bottom line: - RRAF is using industry-backed grants to put money into the unglamorous work that keeps OHV recreation accessible, safer and more sustainable.