Time and time again, I hear about kids touching motorcycles in a parking lot or worse, parents sitting their kids on bikes without at least getting permission first. A parked motorcycle isn’t some mall ride that shakes back and forth when you insert a couple of quarters and shouldn’t be treated as such. It’s also someones personal property and should be respected.

Ok…kids love motorcycles. I get that. To them they are big bicycles with engines, that go fast and make noise and have all those cool shiny bits. Of course…some of those shiny bits are very hot and can cause serious injuries to young hands and legs. Now I have no problem with a parent who wants to please their child and prop them up on my bike but please ask me first. Sometimes motorcycles can easily tip over depending on the turf or asphalt they are parked on and if I’ve just arrived, the exhaust can cause painful burns if touched.

Of course there is that respect of peoples property to consider too. How would you feel if you came back to your convertible and some kid was sitting in it while daddy was taking their picture? Pissed? Violated? Of course! It’s an invasion and it’s disrespectful.

Parents…please…respect that a motorcycle is someone’s property and not a toy. Ask first and if the rider isn’t around to ask, please don’t allow your children to touch any parked motorcycle.