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TAKE THE CHILDREN ON THE BIKE WITH YOU Everything you need to know about motorcycling with children Imagine that your son asks if he can take a motorbike ride with you. Do you refuse? Or do you maybe even sell your bike because you’re uneasy about taking the children out? There’s no need! Motorbike riding with children is no problem as long as you heed a few rules. You can find out everything you need to know at INTERMOT, the leading motorbike trade fair, in Cologne from 11th to 15th October 2006. Adults who want to take children out on a motorbike ride don’t necessarily need a sidecar; solo machines are also acceptable. In Germany there is no legal minimum age for children on motorbikes, although a special safety seat is required for the under-sevens. Such seats have to protect the child’s legs adequately from movable parts such as wheel spokes and drive chains, and they must be attached securely to the motorcycle. Several suppliers of motorbike equipment offer child seats, which must be type-tested but do not have to be entered in the vehicle documents. Further information is available from specialist retailers and on the Internet. A comprehensive overview will be offered at INTERMOT, the international trade fair for motorcycles and scooters, which will take place in Cologne from 11th to 15th October 2006. Children over seven must be able to reach the pillion footrests safely with both feet, and they must be physically capable of holding on to the rider or the bike. The regulations are the same in Germany and Switzerland, whereas children are not allowed to ride pillion until the age of 12 in Austria. Parents are advised not to overestimate their children''s readiness for this activity. Children should not be taken on motorbike trips unless they really want to, and the rider should refrain from rapid acceleration, high speeds and travelling excessive distances. The best way to get children interested is to point out the similarities between motorbikes and their own bicycles. It’s also a good idea to involve them in choosing clothes; a wide variety of motorcycle gear is available in children’s sizes. The helmet should be chosen according to its weight. Children’s shoulder and neck muscles are not as strong as those of adults, so a light helmet helps to prevent muscle strain — and should the worst occur, the force of acceleration is lower than it would be with a heavy helmet. Jackets and trousers should fit properly and have CE-tested protectors. It is not sensible to buy jackets and trousers that are too large in the hope that the child will grow into them, as the protectors will not be located correctly. Some manufacturers offer clothing with all-round zips so the length can be adjusted. Boots and well-fitting gloves are also crucial for children on motorbikes. It can often be a good idea to hire clothing by the month, rather than to buy garments that the child grows out of too quickly. Parents can find out more about the entire range of motorbike products for the next generation at INTERMOT, the international trade fair for motorcycles and scooters, in Cologne from 11th to 15th October 2006. INTERMOT Cologne
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