| Remember going to the circus and seeing some 6 ft | | | | experienced motorcycle ride knows, the real danger |
| tall clown riding into the center ring on a mini-bike with | | | | riding a motorcycle is that car drivers don't see you. |
| his knees hunched up around the top of his head. | | | | With these pocket bikes sitting so low to the ground, |
| Everyone laughs at this sight because it seems so | | | | the problem is going to be greater." |
| ridiculous. What a sight: Grown man and women riding | | | | Admit it! You know when you see one of the pocket |
| around on such a tine vehicle. | | | | bikes, you can't help but grin and think about giving it a |
| Well, it isn't funny anymore with the introductions of the | | | | ride. The risk of the pocket bike is the fartherest thing |
| pocket bikes or as some refer to them as pocket | | | | from your mind. You combine how cheap they are, the |
| rockets. Whether you are an adult, teenager or a | | | | coolness factor, and the fact they really are fun to ride, |
| young adult, it will draw the same response...Wow! | | | | then it makes it hard to keep your mind clear about |
| These small versions of full motorcycles weigh | | | | potential dangers lurking if you start riding one of them. |
| between 45 and 90 pounds and seat their driver about | | | | Stop, clear your mind before you go buying one. Ask |
| 18 to 24 inches off the ground. These are not | | | | yourself are you responsible enough to ride this thing? |
| something to laugh about. They are serious machines. | | | | Do you have the protective gear you need? Are you |
| They are not toys even though looking at one; you are | | | | aware of the characteristics of the handling of the |
| tempted to dismiss the pocketbike as a toy. | | | | pocket bike? At high speeds, fast turns can cause the |
| Pocket bikes or pocket rockets can be deadly since | | | | pocket bike to overturn. Is your child old enough to |
| they aren't toys. It is easy to get in the mindset that | | | | understand that this is not a toy? Are you going to |
| because the pocket bikes are not only small and fast | | | | spend the time to supervise your child on a pocket |
| but they can be ridden anywhere--on sidewalks, in | | | | rocket? |
| bicycle lanes, and on the street. Get rid of that though | | | | All of these questions are very important to ask. If you |
| immediately. These gas-powered models have been | | | | are willing to spend the time instructing your child, drilling |
| modified can reach speeds up to 45 mph or even | | | | them over and over about safety and most |
| faster. | | | | importantly you will physical be there to watch them |
| The bikes are usually imported without your typical | | | | ride, then go buy this entertainment. If at anytime, you |
| safety features for motorcycles. They don't have | | | | can't do any of them and I mean "any", then buying |
| brake lights, mirrors, turn signals, right kind of tires or | | | | one is not the responsible thing to do. |
| even reflectors. They are fun pocket rockets but they | | | | What will happen if I'm caught riding my "Pocket Bike" |
| don't meet current federal safety standards for | | | | on Public Land? Recent legislation allows for peace |
| street-legal vehicles. Because of their size, adults will let | | | | officers to seize the bike and hold it for a maximum of |
| their children operated them unlicensed and many | | | | 48 hours. The violator shall be responsible for all costs |
| times underage. Unfortunately there have been | | | | associated with the removal, seizure and storage. |
| reported deaths operating these pocket bikes and | | | | Additionally, new legislation requires the manufacturer |
| unless responsible adults step up to the plate, the | | | | of the pocket bike to place a sticker on the bike that |
| fatality rate will on increase. | | | | reads: |
| There is a lot of debate going on whether these | | | | The pocket bike you have purchased or obtained is |
| pocket rockets ought to be ban. Both sides have put a | | | | strictly prohibited from being operated on a sidewalk, |
| lot of energy into their arguments. The ones who are | | | | roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a |
| in favor of allowing these motorcycles to be ridden are | | | | bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or |
| faults who blame the parent who failed to supervise | | | | recreational trail, or on public lands open to off highway |
| their child. | | | | vehicle use. A violation of this regulation may result in |
| Responsible adults need to take the horse by the rein | | | | prosecution and seizure of the device. |
| and assume responsibility for their children safety. | | | | I am not trying to put a damper on your fun. Just take |
| They need to make sure they understand beyond any | | | | a few minutes to think about the responsibility of |
| doubts that their pocket bike is not a toy but a vehicle | | | | owning a pocket bike or as some like to call them |
| that could cause them serious body harm. | | | | "pocket rockets". For me, I love them but I am afraid if I |
| "You're a lot safer putting a 13-year-old on a full-size | | | | get down on one, I might not be able to get up again. If |
| motorcycle than on one of these things," said Steve | | | | you buy and there is nothing wrong with that, just |
| Gibbons, a plaintiff attorney from Kansas City, KS. | | | | remember, your responsibility requirements have now |
| Steve believes they should be banned. As any | | | | increased significantly. |