Damn kids- no gear!

[JET]

I guess I'm getting old (47). But I just saw a girl about 7-8 yrs old on what looked like some kind of Barbie scooter going about 25mph through the apartment complex parking lot. She may have been faster than that, but she was hauling butt! The first thing I thought of was "that's gonna hurt in a dress, flip flops and no helmet", the second thing I thought was "should I say something to the parent?" But I didn't..... people are strange about unsolicited parenting advice. I just don't want to see her get hurt and lose interest in 2 wheels. Who knows, maybe she'll ride a real bike when she gets older? Anyway..... maybe I'll say something next time I'm around if I see them again, or should I?

 

[fjrob1300]

Stay out of it. Those parents don't want to hear it anyway. I saw a parent trying to reason with a 4 year old today. You tell a 4 year old for Pete's sake. The real world is cruel and harsh not sugar coated.

My 2c

Rob

 

[juniorfjr]

The DMV uses our clinic parking lot for their motorcycle proficiency tests. There are all the markings for the cones in different colors so it can be set up on Saturdays when we aren't there. In the evenings, when I'm leaving I'll see someone on their new bike practicing for the test. Occaisionally I'll ride up to them, say something about nice bike, then suggest they consider wearing some safety gear. They look at me like I'm speaking a foriegn language. A glazed look comes over their face and they stare right through me. Oh well, ya gotta try. If one hears then maybe it'll amount to something.

 

[JET]

I think I'm going to buy a kids bike helmet and stick it in my garage. The next time I see them out there maybe start up a conversation, show them my bikes, and try to give it to them. Can't hurt!

 

[fjrob1300]

I ran into this young fella broke down on the interstate. I helped him get going again. I asked him if he knew why I was AGGAT. He said I must have crashed at one time. BINGO! he said I own a jacket but it makes me sweat so much. i don't think he's going to wear it.

 

[SacramentoMike]

I don't waste my breath with young adults I see riding their little 50 and 90 cc scooters that are so popular. Virtually NONE of them gear up properly, or much at all. But a little kid like that? Hell, she WILL crash, and soon. The parents NEED to hear it from an experienced rider. It isn't the size of the bike that hurts you, it's skidding along the ground in bare skin at a speed a lot faster than she can run or ride a bicycle. If they're offended, too bad. But it might help, too.

 

[ahchiu]

I ran into this young fella broke down on the interstate. I helped him get going again. I asked him if he knew why I was AGGAT. He said I must have crashed at one time. BINGO! he said I own a jacket but it makes me sweat so much. i don't think he's going to wear it.

It's called Natural Selection..

 

[03HiYoSilver]

What people don't understand is that it takes only 17 lbs of pressure to the temple area of the head to cause death.

 

[escapefjrtist]

I ran into this young fella broke down on the interstate. I helped him get going again. I asked him if he knew why I was AGGAT. He said I must have crashed at one time. BINGO! he said I own a jacket but it makes me sweat so much. i don't think he's going to wear it.

It's called Natural Selection..

I was thinking organ donor...there's a shortage ya know! :lol:

--G

 

[RPrice]

It's the parents mostly. Here in southern Utah most scooter/ATV/motorcycle riders do not wear any protective gear. And many are killed and hospitalized annually. If the parents "don't get it", neither will the kids. It used to really stress me out to see kids w/o helmets burning around illegally on paved roads via ATV's in my neighborhood. Often parents with them! In Utah a person 16 years and younger must wear a helmet, but in Utah it is rarely enforced. Anyway, it reduced my stress to realize that all I can do is supervise my own children, and they never rode bikes or ATV's without protective gear.

Not much I could do about the rest of those parents or kids!

 

[HotRodZilla]

I think I'm going to buy a kids bike helmet and stick it in my garage. The next time I see them out there maybe start up a conversation, show them my bikes, and try to give it to them. Can't hurt!

All other comments and beliefs aside, I can't believe no one has reacted to your idea yet. I gotta say that it is one of the nicest dammed things you could do. I will almost bet that if you do that, she will wear that helmet more often than not. If she doesn't, it is not her fault and it is not your fault.

Parents need to watch out for their kids, but not all do.

 

[JET]

Thanks man! I figured if I can make it a gift then they may take it. Otherwise they may not be able to afford it, or have some other excuse or reason.

I had seen her riding it around before, slowly. But when she flew down the street i was really shocked at how fast it was. I mean it was faster then i drive in that area. Not that Im fast, but I know to look out for her, other kids and mindless neighbors.

 

[ynotride]

I think I'm going to buy a kids bike helmet and stick it in my garage. The next time I see them out there maybe start up a conversation, show them my bikes, and try to give it to them. Can't hurt!

All other comments and beliefs aside, I can't believe no one has reacted to your idea yet. I gotta say that it is one of the nicest dammed things you could do. I will almost bet that if you do that, she will wear that helmet more often than not. If she doesn't, it is not her fault and it is not your fault.

Parents need to watch out for their kids, but not all do.

+2 thats a great idea. I have 2 old helmets laying around in my garage and the neighborhood kids are always wearing them riding their bikes around. They dont even know they are being safe they just think its cool.