Riding to Capitol Hill

A few weeks ago, we talked about the Kids Just Want to Ride Act of 2011, which was introduced into Congress on January 25 by Representative Denny Rehberg. The act is designed to remedy the ban on kid-sized motorcycles and ATVs that resulted from the passing of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in 2009.

Both the American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) have been working with state, local and other national groups to help support the act.

“Congress knows that the risk to children comes from banning youth models, not from the lead in metal parts, and there now is a will to solve this problem once and for all,” said Paul Vitrano, MIC’s general counsel. “We urge Congress to stop the ban by either lowering the age range of ‘children’s products’ to age 6 and under or granting a categorical exemption for youth ATVs and motorcycles, as provided in Representative Denny Rehberg’s bill.”

The US House of Representatives Submcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held hearings today to review the act. The MIC has worked nonstop to focus Congress’ attention on the unintended ban on youth model ATVs and motorcycles resulting from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions – and the safety risks that the ban presents to youth riders – and submitted a letter for the hearing.

While the House of Representatives reviews the information in front of them, there’s still time for concerned motorcycle enthusiasts to voice their opinion. Visit the "Stop The Ban Now" website where the MIC has posted links that lead you directly to your representative in Congress. The Stop the Ban now website also containes videos from several professional motorcycle riders, including Robbie Maddison.

Stay tuned to our blog for more information as it develops!

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