This is something that has been on my mind. In PA, you have to be 8 years old to ride on state owned trails and you must have a valid safety course. I agree to this to a point, but I know every time my 14 yr old and I ride there, my 5 year old gets upset because he cannot go along. I think they should designate one of the trails at each place for younger riders. I think my son could pass an ATV safety course that would be geared for younger riders. I also think if they designated a trail for younger ridersm only kids 7 & younger and their parents could ride that trail. I definitely don't want my 5 year old on the same trails as the Raptors, 400EX's and others out there? Any thoughts?

 

I think the 8 year old limit sounds pretty reasonable. While I know that some kids under 8 can be skilled riders, most are not. Not sure how crowded your state riding areas can get but as you point out - it's not a good idea for a 5 year old to be on trails that are used byu many larger and faster bikes.

While a designated youngster trail would be nice, you've got to realize that there are probably some liability issues fro the state's viewpoint, plus it would be next to impossible to keep a full sized bike from sometimes ripping down the kiddie trail - there are ATVers who just don't care. I think I'd just be happy to keep the under 8 riders either in the yard or on private riding areas until they get a little older.

Jaybee

 

Yeah Jaybee, I hear what your saying. But as far as liability and such is concerned, that's why they make us have insurance. And there are park rangers in and out of that place all day. My biggest fear would be some of the wackos out there plowing into him, but you should see his face when I tell him he can't ride with daddy today![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

I think the government needs to stop trying to be parents. That is what you are for. If "you" think the place is safe for your 5 year old then I think he should be able to ride with you.

 

I am with Doc on this one, I believe it should be your call, on the other hand I wouldn't let a 5 year old on public trail and the idea of having a 8 and under with parents trail is just ridiculous, It may fit some of us very well but not the majority and we are all fighting everyday for trails to ride. I am not sure about your area but it wouldn't happen around here and honestly I would be upset if it did, all the money for tags and fees that we pay to go riding and then it would be to maintain a trail that we can't ride [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] just doesn?t make much sense. But like I said I do believe it should be your choice. If you want your 5 year old to go riding with you and you think it is safe the state should not govern otherwise [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]