...to think motorbikes are NOT the place for six year olds!!!

[CressidaTheHeathen]

Friend told me today that she has started allowing her six year old DS to ride pillion on her new DP's motorbike.

I thought this had to be illegal but apparently not

Is it just me that thinks it's incredibly dangerous to allow such a young child to ride on the back of a motorbike? I bloody hate the things and my DC have been told that hell will freeze over before they're allowed on one, adults or not!

I certainly wouldn't want my kids doing it. It seems mad there isn't an age limit!

I'm trying to think at what age my father took us on his motorcycle. My eldest sibling went most often but I think I was about 7 - definitely primary aged. It was a real treat to go strawberry picking but I recall being fairly terrified sometimes. I wouldn't have let my own children but then I wouldn't like my sons to own motorcycle as they are so vulnerable.

Back in the 70,s a boy in my class was picked up everyday on has dads motor bike from about 5 yrs oldI think his dad was a police officer too but yeah there ,s no way I would allow my kids to ride on one.

A girl in my DD class comes to school like this. She loves it and the whole class thinks it's amazing.

Ds has been riding his own motorbike since he was 3.

Different strokes and all that.

Dh used to take dd to school on his when she was 5. 200m down the road, never more than 20mph, full on protective gear, she thought she was the bees knees. That scenario was less dangerous than those pull along cycle trailer things. Or scooting down a road with no helmet.

It's perfectly legal as long as they have the proper kit. I think in terms of whether I'd judge or not, it would depend on how the rider rides their bike. Six year old on the back with a maniac breaking all the rules if the road is a very bad idea and I'd judge harshly. Sensible biker with child on behind, I wouldn't judge at all.

I used to get taken to lower school on the back of my mums bike. He idea of taking my own kids on a bike? No way!!

I think that as long as the rider is competent and experienced and knows what they're doing, as long as the child has correct safety gear and has a real interest in bikes there is no harm in letting them be pillion as long as they know to hold on, and certainly no reason to ban them all together when they're older (16 etc)

My DSD rode pillion around the "block" at about 3.

My dad used to take me on his motorbike as a young child. I would be too scared to let a child of mine do it, even though I loved it.

With the right gear and a decent driver then for some journeys that would be fine.
Kids go on push bikes with their parents.

Meh. My dad used to take me pillion from about 5, I had my own at 11 and I'm a very safe biker now.

I think whenever this is talked about, people get an immediate image in their head of a motorbike travelling at 100mph zooming in and out of traffic with a child flying along behind hanging in for dear life.

Down the motorway? Absolutely not, unless they're 13+ Pottering around the town? Yes thats fine.

The more kids are aware of motorcyclists the better. It should be compulsory for everyone to take at least their motorcycle cbt and show they have full awareness of others that use the road before getting a car driving licence.

My dad took me pillion from about 3, bare legs in my sun dress too! Personally I wouldn't but I wouldn't judge another, as long as the child was in the correct gear.

No problem with it here. Far rather have them on a motorbike pillion then on one of those little pull along bike behind bicycle. Those are seriously scary.