The Canadian Paediatric Society is calling for new legislation which would prevent youth under the age of 16 from riding ATV's.

Chris Fox, President of ATV Manitoba, says this isn't the first time they've called for a ban, as they bring it up every year or two.  Fox adds he agrees changes need to be made, however he thinks the Paediatric Society is going too far.

"It's always going to be an issue of enforcement.  Who's going to enforce it? If they ban it, that's great.  But if the reality is that children are still riding these machines and nothing is changing in rural Manitoba, then what has been accomplished?"

He notes there are some regulations already in Manitoba, which is more than some provinces can say.

"It is mandatory for youth and young riders to wear a helmet, and there is a component of adult supervision for riders under the age of 14 as well."

Fox adds ATV Manitoba has been trying to get some new regulations of its own in place.

"First and foremost is one step further than the mandatory helmet; (we want) safety equipment as well.  Secondly, we propose that young riders should be riding an appropriately sized machine.  Third is adult supervision.  In Manitoba, adult supervision up to 14 is mandatory, but we recommend it be active adult supervision (meaning the adult is taking part in the activity).  And fourth is an education safety training program, mandatory for young riders and the adults who will be supervising them."

He says the biggest issue is youth driving full-sized ATV's that are too big for them, which is why he recommends they be limited to driving youth-sized vehicles.  Fox believes ATVing is a part of life in rural Manitoba, and banning youth from engaging in the activity won't accomplish anything.