Prohibits the operation of a motorcycle with any child under the age of 6 thereon, unless the child is seated in a sidecar

BILL NUMBER:S3437

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting children under the age of six years from riding on a motorcycle

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would establish six years as the minimum age for one to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill adds a new subdivision (e) to Section 1251 of the vehicle and traffic law, prohibiting operation of a motorcycle while any child under the age of six is riding upon such motorcycle. These provisions do not prohibit a child under the age of six from riding in a sidecar affixed to a motorcycle.

Section 2 provides an effective date of the first of September next succeeding the date it shall have become law.

Justification

Motorcycles are a relatively dangerous means of transport for any individual. Although they make up only 3% of registered vehicles in the US, motorcyclists account for 11% of all highway traffic fatalities; furthermore, 80% of all motorcycle accidents are fatal, opposed to 20% for automobiles.

Riding safely on the back of a motorcycle requires strength, awareness, and physical coordination. Children at a very young age do not possess the adequate skills and experience in these areas to be passengers on motorcycles, and are thus exposed to a dangerous and preventable risk. They also pose an additional distraction to the individual operating the motorcycle.

This legislation seeks to make New York the sixth state to enact a minimum age to ride on a motorcycle, further protecting the welfare of our youngest citizens and those who share the road with motorcyclists.

Legislative history

2014: S.6456 Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of September next succeeding the date it shall have become law.