Michigan's official off-road vehicle safety course Link to Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Riding Downhill

Always carefully check the terrain before you start down any hill. Choose a downhill path that is as straight as possible with a minimum of obstacles.

When going downhill, remember to:

  • Shift your weight to the rear.
  • Maintain a low speed.
  • Use a lower gear.
  • Brake gradually.
  • Look ahead.

Proper Downhill Riding Position

Proper Downhill Riding Position
Traversing a slope on an ATV

Traversing a Slope

Some hills may be too steep to ride up or down in a straight line. If so, you may be able to ascend or descend the hill by riding across it at an angle—called traversing the slope. However, you should not attempt to traverse a surface that’s extremely slippery, rough, or loose.

When traversing, be sure to:

  • Keep both feet on the footrests, and lean to the uphill side.
  • Keep your speed steady. Sudden acceleration could tip the ORV.
  • If the surface of the hill is loose, turn the ORV to a slightly steeper angle uphill.
  • If an ATV begins to tip, decrease your uphill angle or even ride downhill a while. If you can’t stop the tipping, dismount the ATV quickly on the uphill side.

Proper Slope
Traversing Position

REMEMBER – Never attempt to back your ORV down a hill. It may slide or flip over.
Michigan Department
of Natural Resources and Environment
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Official ORV online course for Michigan ATV riders last modified: February 24, 2010
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