Disinfecting An ATV
Keeping things clean is more important than ever before. This includes your ATV, as the spread of the COVID-19 virus can affect any surface. You might say, "But I'm outside!" This is true, but the virus can survive in the great outdoors, too. Germs and bacteria can be picked up from other surfaces as you touch them, then spread onto your ATV's handlebars. It's easy to forget simply because we don't see the germs! The Coronavirus can survive on plastics and stainless steel for up to two to three days, according to The Harvard Medical School. Say you touched a ton of public area surfaces then rode your ATV without washing your hands. You have already transferred bacteria to your handlebars and anywhere else you touched. Then, you rub your eyes or touch your mouth. That bacteria has again been transferred, but this time to your face – yikes! We don't want to increase the risk of contracting COVID, so taking the right precautions in disinfecting your ATV will help keep you and your group safe. It may seem tedious at first, but you'll soon fall into the routine of keeping your ATV clean. Your friends and family will thank you! Here is how you can keep your ATV disinfected and other ways to keep clean so you and anyone else that may ride the ATV will be protected.
Wipe Down the ATV with Disinfectant
Use a spray disinfectant on your ATV's handlebars, seat, and other common areas that you touch. For the majority of surfaces, the CDC recommends diluted household bleach like Clorox. However, bleach is not great for your ATV's plastics or seat. Instead, you can use anti-bacterial wipes to sanitize your ATV. They're easier to use while out on the trails and you won't have to worry about a spray bottle of bleach leaking in your bag! If someone used your four-wheeler before you, wipe it down and let it dry before getting on to ride. Stopping at a gas station for a quick snack or to use the restroom? When you return to your ATV, make sure your hands are clean before touching any surfaces. You'll need to wipe them down again otherwise. For convenience, you can even store your wipes in a bag or box you keep on board. If you're riding in a group, ensure the other riders disinfect their ATVs as well.
Disinfect Your Helmet, Too!
Because your helmet is a part of riding, it's important to keep it disinfected, too. Since you'll be sweating while wearing it, your helmet poses as a risk for Coronavirus. After use, spray down the interior of the helmet with a disinfectant like Lysol spray and allow it to dry. Spray or wipe the neck straps as well. This will help cut down on the bacteria collecting inside the helmet.
Other Pre-Cautions We Advise
There are a number of other ways you can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19. One of these is to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close by. Should you touch a fellow rider's ATV or their equipment, it's wise to grab some sanitizer to be on the safe side. You should also consider wearing gloves while you ride. Many riders often do, but if it isn't something you typically do, gloves act as a barrier between you and all the surfaces you come in contact with. Not only will they help you maintain your grip on the handlebars, but they'll also block germs and bacteria from touching your hands. After riding, simply toss your gloves in the wash.
Adding these additional steps to your rides will make a huge impact on your safety. Disinfecting your ATV and gear will help keep you and your friends or family safe. Most importantly, you'll be actively cutting down on the spread of the virus. All in all, it's a great practice to get into regardless of the pandemic. The need to sanitize has always been there, but now it's simply heightened. Once you get into the practice of disinfecting, you'll probably never stop (which is a good thing). The cleaner your ATV, the less chance there is of you getting sick with COVID-19 and other illnesses. The overall goal here is to stay mindful of what surfaces you touch.
