Proposed law would ban younger kids from parents’ bikes

The kids will have to stay home under HB 1850

SOBs won't be able to give their kids a ride on the motor under a proposed law now in committee in the state's House of Delegates.

House Bill 1850, submitted this week by  Del. Chris Stolle, R-Virginia Beach, would make it illegal for children eight years old or younger to ride on a motorcycle. The bill was sparked by police organizations across the state, according to The Virginian-Pilot, of Norfolk/Virginia Beach.

The bill is creating a stir among SOBs and those who blog about The Ride, with the majority opposed to what they see as needless government intrusion into privacy.

Police officials told the paper that there have been few casualties, but that they want to "prevent any from occurring."

In October, a 9-year-old was killed when his father's motorcycle collided with another vehicle in Orange County, officials said. But, according to DMV officials cited in the Pilot, no children under nine years of age were injured riding behind their parents in Virginia between 2005 and 2009, a lthough 23 were injured.

DMV officials told the Pilot between 2005 and 2009, three children nine and younger died from bicycle accidents with 238 injured.

Current law requires that motorcyclist only ride on a permanent seat attached to the bike, that no one can ride on the bike without being on a permanent seat and that every passenger/rider have foot pegs. There is no age limit, but most police and motorcycle safety instructors recommend that a child's feet at least reach the foot pegs and the child have protective gear.

Th bill currently is in the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety, which meets Friday at 9 a.m. in House Room C.