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A bill is being sponsored by a Virginia Beach representative that would make it illegal for kids under the age of 8 to ride motorcycles. This bill, House Bill 1850, has caused some controversy.
Some motorcycle riding parents believe that they – not the state of Virginia – should be the ones to decide when their children are old enough to ride on the back of a motorcycle. Motorcycle accident statistics in Virginia appear to be on their side, as no children under the age of 8 have died in a motorcycle accident since 2005, and only 23 were injured.
However, proponents of the bill argue that lawmakers should not wait for a death to pass a law that makes sense. Children under the age of 8, they argue, do not have the strength to hold on to a fast-moving motorcycle. Police officers have added that they have seen “too many” small children clinging to the back of motorcycles, often with insufficient safety gear. Law enforcement officers feel this scenario will only become more common, as people use motorcycles more often to save money on transportation costs.
Some in the motorcycle industry even agree with the proposed law, saying that while most parents who ride motorcycles are sensible and have their children’s safety in mind, the law would be a reminder to other parents that motorcycle safety has to be taken seriously.
Only time will tell which side will prevail in the debate over having young children on motorcycles in Virginia.
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