Dear Ms. Jaczek,
I am writing to you in regards to proposed bill 117 amending the Highway Traffic Act to prohibit the driving and operation of motorcycles with child passengers.
This bill was recently brought to my attention and while I trust you have good intentions, I question the consequences and affects of passing such a law.
As a professional who is focused on family and career, motorcycling is outlet for our family to have fun. My children now ages 12 and 14 enjoy going on an afternoon ride with their dad and spending time with me on a hot summer day whether we go for an ice cream or simply take in the cool wind and scenery of the open road.
This has long been a North American tradition and promotes a healthy family life encouraging bonding and communication. I am not alone. I have dozens of friends who ride and enjoy spending time with their children on the motorcycle. On occasion, we have rides where we bring the kids and let them enjoy life and the freedom of the open road.
If you have ever been to a classic car show, you would see plenty of families out for a Sunday afternoon ride in the old classic automobile. In many cases these classic cars are not equipped with airbags and seat belts yet they offer a chance for families to bond and practice an age old tradition reminding us of simpler times. The same applies to motorcycles.
Good intentions aside, I simply fail to see any statistics that would indicate such a law necessary. By passing such a law, you remove what may in some cases be a family bonding experience. This is like being told that I can't bring my children fishing in a boat or camping in a tent because of the potential for a drowning accident or bear attack. This just doesn't make sense to me.
In a day and age of TV, MP3's, X-box, Internet and a million other brain washing activities that children spend too much time with, motorcycling creates a healthier family life, social bonding and childhood memories.
I urge you to please reconsider.
Thank you,
COMRADES MC