The American Motorcyclist Association
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Illinois House committee tables law that would have outlawed dirt bikes for kids

Posted March 12, 2009    Email this articleEmail   Print this articlePrint

The Illinois House Rules Committee killed a bill on March 11 by a 17-3 vote that would have made it illegal for kids under 16 to ride dirt bikes or ATVs. The measure, House Bill 3914, was introduced by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago).

"When we learned of the bill, we immediately alerted Illinois AMA members who quickly contacted their lawmakers, pointing out the many positive aspects of off-highway riding for kids," said Jessica Irving, AMA grassroots coordinator. "They obviously were persuasive and effective, since the committee members voted down the bill."

The bill, which was referred to the Rules Committee just a couple weeks ago on Feb. 26, required fast action by AMA members, and they responded. Many, using the AMA's Legislative Alerts system, flooded lawmakers with expressions of concern about the bill.

The bill also would have made it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or dirt bike regardless of whether the vehicle was configured for a passenger. The bill also would have required ATV and dirt bike riders to have a valid driver's licenses and wear helmets.