| There is no doubt about it children love riding | | | | instance. Older children can understand safety rules |
| motorbikes. And their parents encourage this interest - | | | | and learn to ride safely. They can have tremendous |
| sometimes foolishly, according to some health-care | | | | fun on motorbikes of their own or hired ones at a riding |
| specialists. Are very small children capable of making | | | | venue. But really they need to have one of their own |
| the quick judgements necessary when riding | | | | so that they can practice a lot. Practicing in a safe |
| motorbikes? Apparently not, according to | | | | place will hone their skills and help to keep them safer. |
| child-development experts. Yet right across Australia | | | | Often a love of motorbikes in early years has |
| children as young as three years old are being bought | | | | translated into developing self-esteem and the skills |
| motorbikes for Christmas. | | | | needed to make them into safe and reliable riders and |
| The result? They often end up in hospital with serious | | | | drivers. An interest in riding motorbikes can become a |
| spinal injuries, head injuries or fractures at the least. | | | | family event that forges bonds as Dad spends quality |
| Motorbikes can go at a speed that is much too fast | | | | time with his children. But it is wiser to keep that |
| for little children to handle, but the older child may well | | | | three-year-old on a trike. He or she will grow older |
| be able to ride a motorbike so long as the venue is | | | | soon enough and no doubt be eager to follow in an |
| safe. There should be no potholes or rocks, for | | | | older brother’s footsteps riding motorbikes. |