Honda Opens Unique "Environmental Learning Center" in Irving, Texas

Four-acre Environmental Center Added to Existing Motorcycle Rider Education Center

Honda today opened an Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Irving, Texas, the company’s third such facility in the country. The ELC is designed to be a unique community resource that promotes a responsible land use ethic through a greater understanding of the varied regional ecology. Honda also has ELCs in Colton, Calif., and Alpharetta, Georgia.

Honda’s Irving ELC consists of approximately four acres surrounding an existing four-acre Rider Education Center where more than 30,000 street, dirt and ATV riders have been trained since it opened in 1989. The ELC features a trail system and species of plants, grasses and trees representing ten different Texas ecosystems as part of the Center’s state-of-the-art off highway training facility.

“Our ELCs serve as both an environmental resource for youth organizations as well as motorcycle training centers teaching environmentally responsible rider ethics to both beginners and experienced riders,” said Dave Edwards, national manager of environment and education for the Motorcycle Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

To create an ideal training environment for off-road and ATV riders, Honda followed proven U.S. Forest Service trail building practices to construct a number of training stations that represent real-world riding scenarios. Riding coaches instruct students on how to navigate common challenges, such as a dry rock bed, inclines and a sand pit, while teaching students to stay on the trail and respect the environment.

In addition to its use for rider training, the 1.5-mile trail in Irving will be used as walking paths for school children and youth organizations for hands-on discussion about nature aided by a Honda environmental education activity booklet and coordinator instruction.

“At Honda, being an environmental leader goes beyond developing products that are safe and environmentally sound. We are committed to cultivating a sense of ownership and respect for the natural world and look forward to hosting a variety of groups from throughout the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area.,” said Edwards.