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GeorgeLeigh50
Jul 10, 2010, 10:52 AM
Saw this while driving down a local st. on my way to an appt. A neighbor was driving his motorcycle down the street while holding a small child on his lap (we are in Pennsylvania). Neither was wearing helmets! I was shocked and feel I should have done something but what?
Probably his grandchild or a visiting relative, I commonly stop for the school bus when driving and have never noticed small kids around that home. Was he breaking a law, I mean I think so because of the need for a child seat if in a car, but what is the situation with a motorcycle? Is it a case of a cop would actually have to see him do it, otherwise it is my word against theirs?

Wondergirl
Jul 10, 2010, 11:14 AM
PA motorcycle safety laws (Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (http://www.pamsp.com/MotorcycleLaws.aspx)) --

3522. Riding on motorcycles.
(a) Use of the seat by operator and passenger - A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached to the motorcycle, and the operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator. In no event shall a passenger sit in front of the operator of the motorcycle.

(b) Method of seating - Unless in a sidecar, a person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

(c )Articles carried by operator - No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle or other article which prevents him or her from keeping both hands on the handlebars.

(d) Interference with operation. - No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.

3525. Protective equipment for motorcycle riders.
(a) Protective headgear - Except as provided in subsection (d), no person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle (other than a motorized pedacycle) unless wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the department.

(b) Eye-protective devices - No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle (other than a motorized pedacycle) unless he or she is wearing an eye-protective device of a type approved by the department.

(c) Approval of equipment - The department may approve or disapprove protective headgear and eye-protective devices required under this section and may issue and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of the headgear and eye-protective devices. The department shall publish lists of all protective headgear and eye-protection devices by name and type which have been approved.

(d) Exception - The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to the following:

(1) The operator or any occupant of a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab.

(2) A person 21 years of age or older who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years.

(3) A person 21 years of age or older who has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the department or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

(4) The passenger of a person exempt under this subsection, if the passenger is 21 years of age or older.

Stratmando
Jul 10, 2010, 11:52 AM
It is Illegal and Not smart, Although I did something that Appeared Dangerous by Riding my Unicycle with My Grand Daughter, However I have been Wheeling Bicycles/Motorcycles, unicycles, my 6' Unicycle and ride backwards all my life, like walking too me.
I did no tricks, just held her while I rode. I didn't want any accidents. I had her riding her bike when she just turned 3 with no training wheels.
At 6 years old, she can out ride boys or girls years older than her. She's great.
I am Safety concienous, before she could ride I was thinking of outriggers on the bike, or wrap her in bubble wrap to protect her.