Kids on bikes?

**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

Originally Posted by Motu

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

Originally Posted by johnsf1980

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

Originally Posted by Mental-Trousers

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 ?