Mark_Ockerbloom's Blog

Ock, I've read several times how these ATV roll over and kill the rider. Safety gear is a good start and parental supervision wouldn't hurt either.

Each of my children began riding snowmobiles at 9 or 10. They were supervised and safe. Why should they be penalized?

The question is, should there be a law to fix this issue of young drivers? Do you really thing that this will resolve anything? Do 14 year old kids buy these machines? All questions have the answer of no. The question to ask is how does the state need to assist in handling these kids not having the proper training to run these ATV's. There shold be a law created however the state needs to create laws that anyone under 18 yrs old needs to take a training class, anyone under 16 needs to ride in a pack with parents and an kids running a ATV over 100cc engines NEEDS to have the parent on the ATV with them. As you can see this is just one way to make everyone happy and keep the sport safe, that is the bottom line safe. Also the state of Mass needs to allow space for these ATV riders to ride them. The state wants the registration as revenue they need to open up more state parks ( with restrictions) My 2Cents.

I have one more comment on the helmet law. As far as I know helmets are the law with snowmobiles, motorcycles and I was under the impression ATV's and dirt bikes also. If you are in the woods riding I guess to me it is a no btainer to wear the helmet. Also I raised my son to wear all the safety gear on his dirt bike and when he would drive an ATV.

Bottom line the bill that is in question needs to be re-written to work for everyone.

Why dont they just reqiure a safety rule and get like atv linceses?

We need one State employee to die ,so to "Save one life", The state job can be eliminated!

ATV's are not dangerous with the proper training. My daugher is 10 years old and races her ATV on the Ice. She has the proper training and saftty gear. Parnets need to monitor their kids more. You need a key to start the machine and that key should not be in the childrens hand. No child should be unsupervised while riding. AVTing is a great family activity. More kids get hurt doing sports. So are we going to put an age limit on sports? Why punish the parents and children who follow the rules and monitor their kids.

Protection is a must for all riders no matter what age. Wasting time and money on this fact is rediculous. The state should spend the money on opening more riding areas where safe and responsible riding can take place. There are a very small number of areas that atvs can be ridden legally and that makes people ride in areas that may not be maitained and possibly dangerous. Open areas that will promote safe use of these vehicles. Walkers,moutain bikers, and bikers don't pay registration fees to use trails. I have to pay to register my atv. Where does my atv registration money go?

Mark,

Thanks for starting this post. I have done a good deal of research regarding this topic and the unfortunate reason as to why it has received so much attention recently. I have ridden off road motorcycles since the age of 8 and I am now 40. Several years ago as ATVs grew in popularity I purchased one. For me it has been a great experience and a lot of fun. As my oldest child grew in age and became interested in recreational motor sports, I first purchased a 50cc dirt bike for him to learn to ride on. Later I purchased a 50cc ATV for him to ride. I would have to admit his Mother who is not at all interested in recreational motor sports was somewhat hesitant to agree to these purchases due to her safety concerns. I have participated in recreational motor sports for the past 32 years and I am not suggesting there is no concern for potential injury, but wearing the proper safety equipment, riding an appropriate sized ATV or motorcycle, riding safely and in control, and riding with respect for the environment can drastically reduce these concerns. For a child it is also a must that they ride with ADULT SUPERVISION. My son and I have ridden our ATVs and Motorcycles on my property and in the State Parks in Massachusetts where riding them is permitted. We have had some great experiences together that we will remember forever. I hope as my other children grow older in age that if they are interested in recreational motor sports I will have the opportunity to enjoy it with them as I have with my son. This bill unfairly penalizes good, law abiding, families and i

Con't. This bill unfairly penalizes good, law abiding, families and individuals. The majority of this bill can be addressed by EDUCATION and communication and not critical restrictions. I would venture a guess that the individuals promoting this bill and/or voting on this bill have never participated in recreational motor sports? My kids also participate in organized sports such as Baseball, Football, Softball, Gymnastics, and Cheer Leading. When I was 17 I underwent 4 plus hours of knee reconstruction due to a High School Football injury. I have witnessed many accidents in organized sporting activities with kids since I coach multiple sports. Some were very serious. We do everything we can to protect the players but accidents happen. What is most important is the supervision we provide as coaches. My son understands with out a doubt that he is NOT to even start his ATV or Motorcycle with out me being present. I do not feel we should be punished because of the lack of supervision by other parents and/or adults. Don’t judge me when you don’t even know me. If we judge people based on the behavior of others wouldn’t we all be in prison? Riding is a freedom we immensely enjoy and deserve to be able to participate in. I am not against regulation that instructs participants to utilize Helmets and the proper safety equipment. I am also not against regulations that have rules regarding the size of a machine with respect to the riders age and ability, but I feel not allowing kids under age 14 to ride these machines is wrong. My son began riding when he was 8 and