Kids on bikes

Message

tex1230 · #1 Unread post by **tex1230** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:11 am

Who knows the laws? who has suggestions?

I have taken my son (6 years old) on the back of my bike to roll around the parking lot a couple of times. I wonder if anyone here who has kids can tell me (about) when they are old enough to go for a real ride. I'm thinking 8 or 9 years old but not sure...if I got a sidecar I'd take him now...

I checked state law in CT and couldn't find a minimum age for a passenger...just that all riders and passengers under 18 must wear helmets.

I think he'll look good in full leathers...

#2 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:15 am

The general rule is that the kid must be able to get their feet on the passenger pegs.

Someone makes a belt that the rider can wear that has two handles at the back to make it easier for a child to hang on (wrapping arms around the waist is tiring when you're arms aren't very long).

BuddyBelt: http://www.buddybelt.com/

P

Loonette · #3 Unread post by **Loonette** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:27 am

What Lion Lady said! Also, even if you live in a no-required-helmet state, I'm pretty sure that riders and passengers under the age of 18 still have to wear a helmet (not sure on that one).

Our kids are ages 9 and 11, and this Spring we'll be starting them on the bikes - as long as they are truly interested - I don't want to do it just for my fun.

Cheers,
Loonette

Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:33 am

Kids are a good excuse to buy a trike...

Ok maybe not. Make sure they are comfy. My first ride on a sports bike, no gear- thanks uncle joe- took me to at least 100 mph and scared the living daylights out of me. Maybe I could have been comfy at that speed but it woudl have taken building up. Remember that this is not only their first time on a bike, but they probably lack any open to the wind experience (uness you have a convertable) and it's a whole new slice of cake.

tex1230 · #5 Unread post by **tex1230** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:35 am

My wife wants my next bike to be a Harley Ultra Glide with a sidecar.

Never ridden with a sidecar but they look pretty interesting...

I think I may have the coolest wife on the planet.

CNF2002 · #6 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:37 am

I see it happen. I dont think I would ever take a child on a motorcycle. If I did, it would only be around the block, and the kid would have to have full protective gear. There are little motorbikes for kids that you can buy so they can ride their own, fully protected and under supervision of course.

I said I see it happen, but unfortunately I've yet to see a child on a bike with any gear (usually just a helmet, if that)...I suppose the parents feel the cost of the gear weighs more than the safety of their child.

tex1230 · #7 Unread post by **tex1230** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:44 am

Yeah he'll be in full gear before he gets a ride outside the parking lot.
I put him in his skateboard helmet for the parking lot ride - I figure he's going faster on his board than I drive my bike with him on it anyway.

Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:32 am

My son is 11 and gets to ride every once in a while and mostly only on early weekend mornings. He reaches the pegs, has his helmet, gloves, jacket and boots. The other kids will also get to ride as soon as they can reach those pegs!

CNF2002 · #9 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:38 am

In a parking lot I wouldnt worry about gear all that much. As long as you are in complete control of the bike...heck I fell off my bike when I was a kid going alot faster than parking lot speeds and I survived.

I'd be more worried about the bike crushing his leg or something if it fell over. Stuff like that. At those speeds he's not likely to hit his head...the hands come out and usually you just end up with skinned elbows and palms.

#10 Unread post by **t_bonee** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 6:57 am

My daughter is 7 and goes on rides around the neighborhood with me. She can reach the pegs.