Atv and Dirt Bike Safety for Kids

A dirt bike or an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) is meant to ride off-road. It is in fact a lightweight motorcycle equipped with rugged tires and suspension; in other words it can be called a 2 or 4 wheel off road motorcycle. ATV’s and dirt bikes have been around since the 60s and are still thriving. Kids and adults thirst for adventure and the call to rugged terrains is renewed with every generation.

ATV are used as outdoors utility vehicle such as on farms, hunting… ATVs are good recreational vehicle, they are fun to rid on dirt and sand dunes; there are many professional, sanctioned off road ATV races. The demand for dirt bikes and ATVs has drastically increased. There are many ATVs and dirt bikes available at cheap prices for kids and adults. It is now common to see youngsters who are seven to eight years old mounting dirt bikes and ATVs expertly and with ease. But injuries caused by riding dirt bikes and ATVs happen very often. Studies by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission have come up with stunning figures: many as 4 out of 10 people who are involved in an ATV accident are kids under the age of 16.

The primary safety rule of course is to first learn how to ride an ATV or Dirt Bike before hitting the outdoors. The responsibility for properly training a child to ride ATVs or dirt bikes lies with the parents. The young rider must be supervised at all times while riding an off-road machine.

The law in the US does not allow ATVs on freeways and kids should never be allowed to ride where there is traffic. Children should not be allowed carry anyone on the off road vehicle; this is a major cause of serious accidents. It’s a good practice to make a complete pre-ride check before using the ATV or dirt bike. Check the tire pressure, gas level, test the brakes front and rear as well as the lights. Please refer to the respective ATV manufacturer manual for complete details.

Riding on public roads can prove fatal. Ensure that children never ride without a helmet and wear gloves, eye protection and protective gear. It is good sense not to make do with protective gear meant for other activities such as daddy’s football gear – because the gear required for safe riding on dirt bikes and ATVs is designed with that purpose in mind.

Bikes and ATVs are age specific and size specific, so elders are well advised to buy and upgrade the bike according to the child’s age. There is no rule as to what age a kid has to be to ride an ATV or dirt bike but do not put a 4 year old on a 110cc ATV or a 50cc dirt bike. A 4 stroke 70cc ATV for kids packs enough punch for an adult to have fun on it. Thankfully most youth ATVs and dirt bikes are equipped with safety controls such as:

A speed governor that sets the maximum speed as low as 5MPH

A corded plug that allows an adult to run along with the youngster and pull to kill the engine (great feature for very young riders)

A remote control that can kill the engine by the press of a button within up to 200 feet (great to keep little older kids under control)

As for the ever-popping question, how young of a child can ride an ATV? Since every kid is different, it is up to each parent to decide what age a child can ride what ATV or dirt bike.

Remember that a child on a bike is definitely vulnerable. Riding vehicles off road can be very fun and provide a healthy workout. To reduce the risk of injury, good training, constant supervision and following the manufacturer’s instructions are a must.

Also refer to the kids ATV and dirt bike age chart – for some ideas about what bike goes with what age.
December 17th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Pocket Bikes And The Federal Government!

A pocket bike is a two wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and that is not designated or manufactured for highway use.
Pocket bikes do not include an off-highway motorcycle as defined in section 436 of the Vehicle Code.
Is my “Pocket Bike” Allowed on Public Land? The short answer “No”. Recent legislation prohibits pocket bikes from being operated on public land. Section 21720 is added to the California Vehicle Code to read, “A pocket bike shall not be operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off-highway motor vehicle use.”
What will happen if I’m caught riding my “Pocket Bike” on Public Land? Recent legislation allows for peace officers to seize the bike and hold it for a maximum of 48 hours. The violator shall be responsible for all costs associated with the removal, seizure and storage.
Additionally, new legislation requires the manufacturer of the pocket bike to place a sticker on the bike that reads:
The pocket bike you have purchased or obtained is strictly prohibited from being operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off highway vehicle use. A violation of this regulation may result in prosecution and seizure of the device.
Pocketbikes are small motorcycles powered by 40-49cc gasoline engines or electric motors. They are being marketed and sold improperly as “motor scooters”. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle as defined by California Vehicle Code 400(a):
CVC 400(a): A “motorcycle” is any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use by the rider, designed to travel on not more then three wheels in contact with the ground, and weighing less then 1500 lbs. As the motors on pocket bikes are under 150cc, they are further defined as a “motor driven cycle” per CVC 405C
VC 405: A “motor driven cycle” is any motorcycle with a motor that displaces less then 150 cubic centimeters.
A motor driven cycle must be registered with the DMV for use on a public roadway or off-street public parking facility. The rider must be issued a valid driver license with M1 (motorcycle) endorsement per CVC12500 (b) and CVC12804.9 (a). The rider must wear an approved motorcycle helmet per CVC27803. The motor driven cycle must also be equipped with all required safety equipment.
The DMV is not currently registering “pocket bikes” due to a lack of required identifying numbers (Vehicle Identification Number and Engine Number). This means that “pocket bikes” may not be driven on any public roadway or off street parking facility.
If pocket bikes are properly registered (if the DMV permits registration at a future date), riders must follow all rules of the road and applicable equipment requirements as would any other motorcycle or vehicle and are subject to citations for violations observed by officers of this department.
Pocket bikes may still be used on private property (areas not open to public vehicular traffic) urges those riders to obtain training in the safe operation of these vehicles and wear appropriate safety equipment.
There are more agencies and organizations that are clamoring to define pocket bikes and issue calls for increase regulations. Here is one from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Whereas, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) is an association representing its U.S. and Canadian membership by working collaboratively to support and improve motor vehicle administration, safety, identification security and law enforcement; and whose activities include developing model programs in motor vehicle administration, police traffic services and highway safety, serving as an information clearinghouse for these same disciplines, and acting as the international spokesman for these interests; and
Whereas, in order to reduce traffic collisions and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic collisions, Congress has required the federal Department of Transportation to prescribe minimum safety standards for any motor vehicle manufactured primarily for use on public roads; has prohibited the manufacture, sale, import and distribution of motor vehicles that do not conform with those federal motor vehicle safety standards; and
Whereas, responding to Congress’ call, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has promulgated motor vehicle safety standards at 49 CFR 571, including safety standards for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, and requires manufacturers to certify that vehicles manufactured for on-road use meet all applicable safety standards; and
Whereas, miniature motorcycles commonly referred to as ‘pocket bikes’ resemble traditional racing motorcycles in every respect except for their small size and pocket bikes do not meet the minimum height specification for headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps and turn signals for motorcycles or motor-driven cycles; and
Whereas, their low height makes pocket bikes exceedingly difficult for other motorists to see whenever they are operated on a road; and
Whereas, the laws of some states specifically recognize pocket bikes and prohibit their operation on public highways in that state, but many state’s laws do not specifically recognize pocket bikes, regarding them as ‘motorcycles’ that might be registered and operated on public roads by qualified riders; and
Whereas, lack of federal regulation, guidance or standards clearly applicable to pocket bikes has created confusion for law enforcement officials, motor vehicle administrators and state and local government officials; now, therefore, be it:
Resolved by the Board of Directors of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, that AAMVA finds that, because pocket bikes do not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
They are not “manufactured primarily for use on public highways” within the meaning of federal law; and be it further resolved that AAMVA shall endeavor to develop and strengthen relationships with other safety organizations and law enforcement agencies and national safety organizations to promote awareness of safety concerns and insure that state laws prohibit the operation of pocket bikes on public roads; and
Be it further resolved that jurisdictions should not title or register for on-road use pocket bikes, ‘mini-choppers’, or any other non-standard motorcycle that does not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for vehicles intended for use on public highways, and that lacks the manufacturer’s certification label stating that the vehicle meets all applicable safety standards in effect on the date of manufacture, unless state or federal law specifically exempts the vehicle from such standards and certification; and
Be it further resolved that AAMVA shall provide this resolution to CPSC, NHTSA, National Traffic Law Center, and National Conference of State Legislatures, Governors Highway Safety Association and other appropriate Federal and State agencies.
Where does this leave pocket bike owners? They can still be ridden but not on public highways, sidewalks or public land. However, they can be enjoyed on private property. The rider and their parents should understand the pocketbike is not a toy and therefore requires that they ride responsibly including full head protection as well as protective clothes.

Jerry Johnson owns the Motorcycle Clothes Store and Deals On Pocketbikes as well as several other successful webstores. Visit MotorcycleClothesStore.com and Deals on Pocketbikes for great values on your cycle apparel and pocketbikes.
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December 8th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet Is Not Smart

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when comparing a automobile to a motorcycle rider the motorcycle rider has a 35 percent greater chance of getting hurt or dying in a automobile accident compared to a driver in a automobile. When wearing a helmet it is less likely that the motorcyclists will receive a serious head injury and more likely to survive the accident according to the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Safety helmets for motorcycle users are the law in many states, optional in others. Especially so if the helmet is rated for safety and is properly fit to the wearer. Safety is what it’s all about right.
When wearing a motorcycle helmet it will protect your head against the following, it protects your face, your ears and you are able to have an intercom system to talk to others. A helmet protects your head and your face from injuries. There are many different types of helmets ranging from helmets that have a face guard and helmets that have an open face so you can feel the wind on your face, helmets can be customized to your specifications. Looking for full face helmets can be a challenge. On helmets the face shield can retract by lifting up and down.
Because Motorcycles lack the protection of other vehicles, such as a car or truck, severe injury is much more likely. For comfort and protection they generally have fabric and foam interiors. Motorcycle helmets act as a protection device for your head.
When looking at helmets to purchase don’t let the price determine which helmet you will purchase, you will need to look at the protection factor it can provide and how it is rated. When manufacture design a helmet they look at many different factors, one of the factors is how much impact a helmet can receive without hurting the persons head, many helmet manufactures put padding and made the inner side soft while the outer shell is very hard and very difficult to penetrate.
Trying to find a helmet that fits is very important, when looking at helmets try them on and make sure they fit snug and the feel is comfortable. If you are buying a helmet for a child make sure the helmet fits snug and the child can see out of it and the helmet doesn’t turn around while wearing it, if you are buying a used helmet make sure there are no cracks, the padding is in the helmet and the strap still works.
Even if you don’t choose to wear a motorcycle helmet for safety reasons, there are other reasons. When looking for motorcycle helmets there are so many choices and many different designs, colors and visors. Some manufactures match the men’s helmet with the women’s helmet and other accessories.
Safety helmets successfully reduce the chances of head injury to a great extent. For instance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated in a report that if you do not wear a helmet there is a 40% chance that the rider will suffer a head injury and a 15% chance of it being a fatal head injury.

November 23rd, 2009 Comment (0) General

Big Hearts On Big Bikes

Trust a woman to make sweeping changes for the better.
For years, motorcycle riders have always had a certain infamous reputation. Especially when they travel in packs, motorcycle riders are feared by others. They are often depicted by media, particularly in films, as the proponents of massive brawls and unprovoked violence. Furthermore, bikers are often stereo typed as people who are uneducated and have nothing better to do than terrorize people as they move from bar to bar, transported by their big bikes.
This kind of behavior and reputation however, does not precede the various, responsible motorcycle bike riders that all happen to be women. Although associations of women motorcycle riders have been established since decades ago, the growing number of responsible motorcycle riding women along with their numerous contributions to society are only beginning to constantly garner attention and praise. At last, motorcycle riders, particularly, female motorcycle riders have been able to revise popular opinion about how they are perceived.
Going beyond promoting the wearing of helmets when riding motorcycles, these women riders from different women riders associations, help each other and help society as a whole with their various activities. Common activities done during meetings within these women bike rider groups are talks on safety on the riding as well as practical, do it yourself troubleshooting for motorcycles.
Beyond that, many individuals, as well as women rider groups have been, and continues to be actively involved in raising funds and awareness for certain charities and causes. While as individuals, these women may have very different backgrounds, preferences and inclinations, but they all have the passion for biking in common as well as the need to be better at serving society through this particular passion.
Women motorcycle riders with their helmets and jackets is a truly remarkable breed. They have successfully transformed the prevailing, less than favorable image of bike riders and they have gone the distance with causes and charities close to their hearts. If you are a woman who likes to ride bikes and you are above worrying about getting your hair messed up inside a helmet, you might consider hooking up with other women bike riders if you are not part of a group yet.
To help you understand these groups better, what they stand for, what they do and if there is a group nearest you, check out the various links below of fantastic associations of woman motorcycle riders out to set the world ablaze with their passion for riding equaled only by their compassion for those in need. Happy riding!

November 10th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Motorcycle Protection Gear -Types of Helmets Available

When it comes to choosing a motorcycle helmet, there certainly are a lot of choices out there. From three quarter shell, and half shell helmets there seems to be style to fit every biker’s tastes and comfort level these days. Of course, each of the three main helmet styles features its own advantages and disadvantages to riders. . Choosing the right helmet depends a great deal on your own personal taste. Here is a brief rundown of each major helmet style to help you in making your best decision.
Full-face motorcycle helmets are designed to cover the entire head and face. It features a hard shell that extends from the brow over the cranium to the base of the skull at the top of the neck. This hard safety shell also rides forward along the cheekbones to encompass the jaws and chin. A clear visor also helps to keep the wind, rain and any dust or debris from affecting your vision while riding.
Full-face helmets are generally considered the safest of all the styles, since they cover the largest area of a rider’s head and face. Their main disadvantage, however, is that they are the heaviest of all the helmet styles, and may cause neck fatigue when riding in strong winds or for long periods of time.
Within the full face helmet category are two individual styles: racing helmets, which are very sleek and light; and dirt bike helmets, which is the lightest full face helmet version available. Since it does not feature a visor, goggles are recommended.
The Three quarter shell motorcycle helmet is similar to its full-face counterpart, except it does not wrap around the entire face. Instead, the shell extends from the brow over the cranium to the base of the neck and forward over the ears. A chinstrap is used to secure the helmet in place.
Some benefits of the three-quarters face helmet (which, by the way offers many of the same safety benefits of a full face helmet), is the ease in which riders can communicate while wearing it, and how quickly it can be removed without causing sight blockage
The half shell motorcycle helmets, often called a beanie helmet are the least intrusive of all the helmet styles. They cover only the top half of the head. Weighing the least, the half shell is very light, does not block the ears, and offers the least wind resistance. Unfortunately, this style also offers the least protections of all the helmets.
In order to meet the legal requirements for those states that have a mandatory motorcycle helmet law, all motorcycle helmets must meet the minimum Department of Transportation (DOT) standard. Helmets meeting this criterion will sport a safety sticker acknowledging DOT acceptance. And approval.
SNELL, a non-profit organization that sets a more stringent voluntary standard of helmet safety also offers an approved sticker for helmet buyers. Helmets that are both DOT and SNELL approved are considered the safest helmets available to today’s bikers since they are designed to meet the highest standards of protection within the helmet industry.

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November 1st, 2009 Comment (0) General