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johnsf1980
7th February 2006, 08:59
Hello All,

Just wondering if theres any laws, etc with regards to having a child as a pillion? I assume it would be ok if they were wearing a helmet and protective gear and we were only riding in surburbia and NOT on the motorway?

Cheers
Motu
7th February 2006, 09:25
No laws I don't think,but common sense applies...it your kid after all.

Had a Ducati pass me on the motorway a couple of weeks ago,doing 120 and cutting traffic - on the back was a little kid who's feet couldn't touch the pegs,they were sticking out the side,his little arms could only just hang onto his father's jacket.Not a good look,and if anything had of gone wrong the poor kid wouldn't have a hope in hell of staying on.
johnsf1980
7th February 2006, 09:40
No laws I don't think,but common sense applies...it your kid after all.

Had a Ducati pass me on the motorway a couple of weeks ago,doing 120 and cutting traffic - on the back was a little kid who's feet couldn't touch the pegs,they were sticking out the side,his little arms could only just hang onto his father's jacket.Not a good look,and if anything had of gone wrong the poor kid wouldn't have a hope in hell of staying on.

Oh I wont be doing anything that silly at all!!!!

Just plan on doing lil rides around the neighbourhood, down to the beach, etc. Definately no motorway riding and definately no speeds above 50 :-)

Anyone have a clue as to how much kids helmets cost?
Slingshot
7th February 2006, 10:55
Definately no motorway riding and definately no speeds above 50 :-)

Why not, you're probably safer out on the motorway than riding around surburbia.
sunhuntin
7th February 2006, 16:35
think the only thing legal is the feet have to touch the pegs. one girl on the last group ride i went on had an open faced lid with sunnies, fake leather jackets, jeans and some form of shoe with no gloves. the guys in the front were doing speeds of about 110k...she could only just hang on to her dad and had no back rest. theres no way id take a kid on the back without a back rest at the least, and about 100 bungy cords!
What?
7th February 2006, 19:17
Yep - must have an approved helmet and must have footrests that said feet can be properly applied to (egg zackly like carrying a kid on a bicycle). Motorways etc don't come into it, nor do gloves and jackets, but like Motu said - it's your kid...
Back Fire
7th February 2006, 19:25
Is there not a age limit? or should I say underage limit?
What?
7th February 2006, 19:28
Not for pillion - although finding a helmet could tend to impose a natural limit of sorts
Mental Trousers
7th February 2006, 19:33
Makes me sad to see people with their kids on the back of their bikes without much more than a helmet, yet they're riding wearing full leathers etc. Makes ya wonder where their priorities are.
Back Fire
7th February 2006, 19:38
Makes me sad to see people with their kids on the back of their bikes without much more than a helmet, yet they're riding wearing full leathers etc. Makes ya wonder where their priorities are.

over sized gumboots and legs dangling... with the size XL helmet and sleaveless shirt... yep, seen a few kids like that on the back of sport bikes.
zeRax
7th February 2006, 19:40
and if its someone elses kid ?, that u dont know? and dont know whos child it is?

what then? i dont want to get in trouble...
Timber020
7th February 2006, 19:52
I personally have a rule that the pillion gets more gear than the rider. In my opinion with kids that are really small, if the bike allows it should be put infront of the rider.
When I was 2, me and my dad went through a barb wire fence after binning a bike (he was riding). He tucked me up in a big hug and got cut to crap. I didnt have a mark on me but apparently I wouldnt stop crying.
noyz
8th February 2006, 00:14
Sundays are my daughters (8 yrs) day out on the bike she loves it and has all of the gear (she thinks her armored jacket is just cool) we always take it easy, went over the harbor Bridge the other day and she thought that was the best, alot of times the motorway is safer than round town, she always holds onto me with at least one hand and knows if i tap her knee to hold on with both, i think if its done with a lot of care it can be a really rewarding and fun thing to do with kids.
but i do have the strict rule that i never take anyone elses kids on the bike
even just down the street.
grego
8th February 2006, 06:57
that,s sure is a tricky on mate. On one side of the coin one would like to share the fun of riding a motorbike with ones "littelies" on the other hand the "grindy tarmac", concret curbing , car wheels etc etc ...

Speed is completely irrelevant as I found out only last week when negotiating an intersection where I had right of way. I could surely not have done more than maybe 35km when the plonker pulled out of the "giveWay" and rear ended my bike, just about where "little feet" could have been.

My recommendation to any dad /mom is to buy one of those tiny wee bikes, go to a quiet reserve, far away from traffic, dress the kids well, helmet etc. and teach them the fun of riding a bike that way. If they are old enough to cycle without trainer wheels they can ride these bikes....
How's that ?
marty
8th February 2006, 07:39
Anyone have a clue as to how much kids helmets cost?

probably less than your kids head.

motostar/FFM do them for less than $200. try ringing a bike shop - they usually have stuff like that for sale.
Cookie
8th February 2006, 09:32
Frosty has a nice setup for a little person.

See: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=721
johnsf1980
8th February 2006, 09:53
Frosty has a nice setup for a little person.

See: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=721

Yeah I like it.... just wouldnt know where to start if I tried to make one myself :confused:
Tink
13th November 2009, 22:12
More than likely many threads on here about kids on bikes... but I would like to know more... I can't do a bike for my 12 yr old... yet she loves bikes... her dad rides, I ride, my partner rides... so there is no stopping her... she even texts me "ride safe" when she is at her dads....

She has leather jacket, helmet etc..... so apart from saying no... or buying her a Kawasaki Trial bike when I can... how can I keep her safe... she knows how to be safe (holding... putting on the helmet... has the feel for the bike even...etc ) but I think any tips welcome.

PS My neighbours son 16 has the bug too... and they don't want him to ride.... but he is adament.

OMG now I know how my parents felt when I pillioned with mates. eeek :sweatdrop
JohnC
14th November 2009, 08:27
Never taken my kids on bikes,,both in their late 30's now.
Unlike some,,I like my kids.
avgas
14th November 2009, 08:46
Anyone have a clue as to how much kids helmets cost?
As much as you can afford.
If you are only talking something for VERY low speeds - the FFM have a factory shop in Waihi. $50 was the asking price 10 years ago
Ronin
14th November 2009, 10:29
Well for what it's worth. I reckon that controlled involvement is the best form of education. If you and her Dad have a safe attitude around and on the bikes then she is far more likely to pick up on that.

Are you saying that you feel uncomfortable and or unsafe with her on the back? How about when you pillion someone else?
BurningPlastic
14th November 2009, 21:42
As long as the kid understands what they're doing, has appropriate safety gear and the parent is a careful rider then I don't see why it should be an issue...

My dad started taking me as a pillion pretty much as soon as I could safely get my feet on the footpegs and I never felt in any danger. I'm pretty sure I did my first ton (mph) before I was 10 ;->.

I did spend a lot of time around bikes and bike instructors when I was little so I might have been a little more used to 'safety first' than most kids but I don't think that there's any reason why any kid couldn't be fine as long as they were allowed to build up experience gradually.
jasonzc
17th November 2009, 23:33
This reminds me..
when i was little i used to pillion in front of my grandad and my younger cousin was behind him... on a scooter...

needless to say, this wasnt in NZ. :laugh:
R1madness
18th November 2009, 03:16
I have taken my daughter for years. I used to take her to Kindy on my FZR1000exup. She is almost 16 now and still ofter comes with me. Good jackets are available for almost all kids now and so are helmets and gloves. They cost about the same as adults gear but there will be a heap of people wanting to buy it off you when your kid grows out of it (or keep it for the next one). Prices? ring your local dealer (or email me). like others have said feet must reach the pegs. Have you looked at the wear around the waist grab handles for your kid to hang onto? They work great for younger kids.
jam mad
19th November 2009, 13:45
i spoke to a guy a few months ago who has a full harness for his kids, so they actually are strapped to his back. it's for smaller kids, but i can't find a link to it after trying google.

i did come across these guys via google though, i'd suggest calling them, they look like experts !

http://www.babybiker.com/
Juzz976
19th November 2009, 14:48
Yeh I wouldn't even consider it, then again I wont have any pillions at all.
Unless I saw a fellow biker on the side of the road needing a ride up the road, ya know break down or whatever.
I know I'm a safe rider, but I would never put either one of my kids on the back of a road motorcycle.
Slingshot
19th November 2009, 19:39
Never taken my kids on bikes,,both in their late 30's now.
Unlike some,,I like my kids.

More than you like yourself it would seem.