There is regulation, and then there is over regulation. This is a fine example of over regulation:

Retailers of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are being advised to withdraw from sale almost all vehicles intended for children 12 and under after the implementation on Tuesday of new standards for lead content.

The requirement is due to the enactment of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which was signed into law last fall and took effect on Feb. 10. As Wheels noted last week:

The new regulations, which are set to take effect on Feb. 10, require products intended for children to meet strict limits on lead content, such as in toys. Industry advocates said that certain internal components in motorcycles, including battery terminals and brake parts, contain enough lead to be effectively banned from sale.

Okay I could possibly be a moron here, but here me out. If your children are licking and or sucking on internal parts of a motorcycle I.E. battery terminals, and brake parts. There is something wrong there, and we should just let natural selection take its course. Ever heard of the Darwin Awards? Seriously now, what kids are doing this? I just picture some 12 year old "yummy breaks mommy." I am all for safety but this is simply stupid. 

What is worse though is this. The families who do enjoy this sport are now forced to buy the adult powered/sized motorcycles if they want their youth to enjoy what they did. Of course the liberals will probably have one of two responses. First of which would be to simply say children have no place on these things. Or second (and their favorite way to do it) take it to some judge to make a "ruling" that effectively outlaws children from riding motorcycles and dirt bikes.

I grew up with dirt-bikes, ATV's, and go-cart's and I turned out fine -- well sort of. Parents should use common sense and judgment. You know if your child is mature enough to handle these type of activities. If your child is drawn to eat engine parts then obviously its not the right time.

Oh and parents if you notice your 12 year old sucking on internal parts to a motorcycle you may want to take them to see a psychiatrist. Something isn't right with that picture.

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