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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think that this isn't right for a nine year old

21 replies

Bibithree · 26/09/2009 17:58

Her parents have bought her her own motorbike helmet and jacket so she can go for rides with her father.

I just feel a bit wrong about this, even in the best of conditions with the most careful of riders terrible accidents happen, why on earth would anyone take their child on a motorbike? And not just a scoot round the street, proper long rides.

I really want to know if I am being unreasonable as they really think it's fine.

OP posts:

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 26/09/2009 17:59

Is it any of your business? Accidents happen in cars, insupermarkets, in homes, even.

crokky · 26/09/2009 18:01

Well, it's absolutely nutty IMO, but you have to keep your nose out I think.

MaureenMLove · 26/09/2009 18:02

It wouldn't be my idea of a good thing, but I know nothing about motorbikes and if the family are into them in a big way, I'm sure they feel it's the right thing to do.

Original poster

Bibithree · 26/09/2009 18:02

Nope, absolutely none of my business at all. And I know accidents happen in all those places, I just don't understand why you would actively put a child on the back of a motorbike when she doesn't need to be on one.

OP posts:

ErikaMaye · 26/09/2009 18:02

I'm jealous. My parents got rid of their bikes to get a family car, and I'll never forgive them!! Accidents happen anywhere, any time. I think you're being very unreasonable - if they were just popping her on it without safety equiptment, then would be totally rediculous. But they're obviously doing all they can to make sure she's safe. Have you been on a bike, out of interest? It really is tremendous fun.

cookielove · 26/09/2009 18:02

i think they should also get her leathers trousers to, if they are taking her out, to protect her legs if the worse was to happen and they crash, but its their choice and their daughter

BettyBubble · 26/09/2009 18:02

I think they're completely bonkers. However, I fear it's their own business.

Original poster

Bibithree · 26/09/2009 18:03

And I have no intention of saying anything to them, I am just wondering if I'm being a bit ott in my own head about it?

OP posts:

drinkyourmilk · 26/09/2009 18:04

i was riding on the back ofmy fathers bike from a young age - as was my brother. I even went to the south of France on one with him. I'm assuming he won't forget shes there - and ride like a looney.

Original poster

Bibithree · 26/09/2009 18:08

Well, I have been on the back of a bike, with the father in question, when I was a teenager and he found it quite funny to ride a bit like an idiot and scare me. Maybe that's why i'm about this, I just hope he's more careful with his own child.

OP posts:

elmofan · 26/09/2009 18:09

yanbu - my bil takes his 3yr old ds for rides on his motorbike & this summer he took his lo out on a jet ski i was horrified when he showed us the photo's

4andnotout · 26/09/2009 18:11

My parents didn't own a car until i was 11 our only mode of transport was a motorbike and sidecar, sometimes as a treat dad would let us ride pillion to the end of the road but never any further.

ThePhantomPlopper · 26/09/2009 18:13

I wouldn't allow my DC to do it, but some families are into motorbikes in a big way and for them it's completely normal.

glinda · 26/09/2009 18:21

It is interesting that this is still legal considering the requirements for proper carseats etc. This has got to be more dangerous than a child using a normal seat belt in the back of a car instead of a child /booster seat.

MaryBS · 26/09/2009 18:33

I have a friend who does this. I was a bit at first, but now it seems natural. Mostly on short trips, he picks her up from school on his bike.

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 26/09/2009 18:35

I took DS2 to school on his first day, on the back of my bike.

MrsGokWantstogocampingagain · 26/09/2009 18:48

My son has his own helmet and gear. My DH has taken him out on the bike since he was about 5.6 and could reach the foot pegs. He had Fridays off for a while and used to take him into school on it, DC1 was the coolest boy in school . DH rides completely differently with my DC1 on the back than he does with me or on his own. He adapts to who is pillion.

JackBauer · 26/09/2009 19:14

Depends on the rider and how responsible the child is. At least they are buying her proper gear (although agree trousers as well are needed) If they are happy she is ok on the pillion then that is ok IMO.
A very nice mum drops her 9 yr old at DD1's school on her Ninja with him in full gear.

AmazingBouncingFerret · 26/09/2009 19:25

It used to make my day if my dad dropped me off at school or picked me up on his motorbike.
We often used to go on bike rides on a summers day, take a few sandwiches etc.
I doubt he is going to ride crazily with her on the back.

katiestar · 26/09/2009 19:38

No YANBU.
He doesn't have to drive crazily - there just has to be some oil on the road.
Have they got her leather trousers too.

mmrsceptic · 26/09/2009 19:47

Yabu. Might be safer on a bike with her Dad than in a car with her Mum, or on a school bus. I'm sure you don't care more about the child's safety than they do.

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