The MCI are calling for parents to take more responsibility for their children, by supervising them when they are riding minibike and quad like vehicles which are proving all the rage at the moment.
MCI Press Release:The MCI is aware that there has been a significant increase in the import of poor-quality, very small 2-wheeled machines – from around 10,000 in 2002 to 70,000 in 2003.
Such machines are often sold at very low prices via mail-order or internet outlets with no local presence or specialist training, or by local outlets that are not motorcycle specialists with inadequate advice about safe and responsible use or maintenance. Many of these machines are of lower quality, produced by unregulated factories in less-developed countries and generally do not meet European standards for safety, reliability, noise or pollution.
Organisations such as the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI), and its equivalent retail and sport organisations, do not have any control over irresponsible importers and traders, or the abuse of public roads and spaces that sometimes follows. However, the industry is committed to ensuring that the many people who are participating in constructive, legitimate and legal motorcycle activity are not penalised because of a minority.
There is a nationwide network of clubs and local organisations that operate to provide fully-supervised recreational and competitive use of motorcycles and other vehicles by children and young people, which can be contacted via the ACU, AMCA and BSMA. These are legitimate and responsible groups of parents and others who recognise the educational and developmental benefits to children and young people understanding the responsible use of motorised sport and recreation vehicles and who have an interest in the future of UK motorsports.
Craig Carey-Clinch MCI’s Director of Public Affairs said “The vast majority of young people act legally and responsibly. However, the MCI recognises there is a problem with some illegal use of these bikes. It would be a huge mistake to tar these youngster, parents and other adults in a position of responsibility, with the same brush, as those who through negligence or encouragement, allow their youngsters to abuse the street and other public places with illegal use of vehicles or through vandalism.
“Providing more, safe specialist areas for young people to participate in these activities is one important step that can help to reduce the problem that is creating a negative image for the industry.”
insidebikes.com comment:
More and more children are being killed and injured riding illegally, both on and off-road, and those accident statistics are being used by politicians to demand more legislation and camera surveillance against legal road riders. The root of the problem is the cheap supply of 50cc-150cc machines, mainly from China.
Until the government or the EU passes laws to restrict the supply of mini bikes, quads, buzzboards etc. the number of accidents will keep growing. Asking parents to control children is pointless. The MCI and other industry bodies should lobby the government and the EU for all mini moto retailers to be licensed, offer training, register bike owners and machine serial numbers accurately, or face fines and jail. That is the quickest way to stop deaths and injuries amongst the under 17s increasing.
