The AMA is pleading with its members, motorcycling enthusiasts, and general gearheads across the land to get on the horn and work to lift the ban on the sales of kids’ motorcycles before it has a crushing effect on both the industry and the sport of dirt biking.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 had wording in it that essential banned the sales of these vehicles which are vital for the continued growth of youth riding and competition. Although bikes that have already been sold can be raced and ridden, it does nothing for people wanting to purchase one now. As of February 10th, you simply can’t.

Sure we’re not much focused on motorcycles or dirt bikes around here but, if they can essentially outlaw those vehicles it makes sense that they can outlaw the stuff that we really love and that’s a chilling thought.

Read the release below before you head home and smash the lock off the liquor cabinet, and then pick up the phone and start sending e-mails to get this thing fixed. These riders and enthusiasts are our brothers and sisters. They need our help.

Here is the full text of the AMA press release:

As you may know by now, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) has effectively banned the sale of youth off-highway vehicles (OHVs) as of Feb. 10, 2009. The AMA is issuing a repeated call for action to help reverse the potentially devastating effect this could have on the sport of OHV recreation. We are also asking for your help, as promoters and club leaders, to spread the word to your club members, racers and fans to encourage them to get involved.

While this move could cripple the future of the sport, it does appear that there may be relief for the use of motorcycles purchased prior to Feb. 10. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has compiled a list of prohibited acts in the CPSIA. Neither riding a previously purchased motorcycle nor promoting a race that includes those motorcycles is included on that list.

Still, immediate attention is needed to end this ban on the sale and manufacture of youth model OHVs. In addition to the efforts the AMA is putting in on
   
Capitol Hill, all motorcyclists need to help fight this measure. Here are some quick links to background information and ways you can help reverse this decision:

* Contact your representatives in Congress by using the Take Action button in the Issues and Legislation section of the AMA website.
* Write the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly to encourage them to exclude youth model OHVs here.
* Click here for a page that includes suggested copy for a letter you can send to the CPSC.
* Read the AMA press release on this issue here.
* Read the AMA’s comments to the CPSC here.
* Click here to download a PDF version of the CPSIA.

For regular updates on this issue, please keep a close eye on the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com. You also can sign up to receive AMA Legislative Alerts here.
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For resources, additional bulletins and contact information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/organizers.