law on taking children on motorbikes

[Deleted User]

colino wrote: »

If they are about to potentially harm others

Pretty well everything we do, could potentially harm others.

At the age of 12, I was a regular pillion passenger (and an un-helmeted one at that) on the back of motorcycles, ridden by my father.

Nobody condemned him for potentially harming me.

Out of interest, how old is the child?

Billy-no-Money

Ask yourself why is the other parent going 'behind your back'? Do you just disapprove of motorbikes or do you feel that parent is irresponsible / dangerous / law-breaking?

If it's a dislike of motorbikes in general then all I can say is get over it; they're not illegal, and this could be an opportunity for bonding in a shared pleasure. As another poster has said, proper safety clothing is important but I would say not just the helmet; we're talking protective jacket, trousers and boots as well. That can be an expensive business for something that the child will grow out of, so unfortunately because there's no law requiring anything other than the helmet people are tempted to cut corners.

My suggestion - give your permission, but on condition that the child has full protective clothing of the right size. If the parent is committed to bikes and agrees to do this then chances are he/she is also a responsible biker in general.