Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Children passengers, attention span, footpegs


Question
How old does a child need to be to ride legally in New York State?  Are there special restraints required for young children?

Answer
I don't know. You might try the NYS Dept of Public Safety or Motor Vehicles, whichever enforces the laws regarding motorcycle operation.

Most states require children to be big enough to sit on the passenger seat of the bike and have their feet planted securely on both footpegs. Some states require a helmet for minors.

It is inadvisable to have a child as a passenger on a motorcycle if he or she is younger than about 12. They do not have the size, stamina, strength, attention span, or knowledge of the traffic game to ride along safely.

Pat