Lots of kids race, is it really safe?

[racerspacer]

Lots of kids love motocross. Is it really safe for them to race? This story talks about some issues parents might want to consider:

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[crfjedi393]

Ok, I read the entire 3 pages.
If you consider tumbling through dirt, getting run over by bikes other than your own, and breaking a bone now and then "unsafe". Then NO, it's not safe. I believe the only parental neglect would be if you DIDN'T explain to your children that these things were, not only a possibility, but a guarantee. AS WELL AS, not buying the most protective gear for them you can afford. In some instances you just don't race until you can afford the gear. It boils down to a personal choice. Make sure you explain the guarantee of injury to the child and the possibility of death and let them choose. I know parents who refuse to let their kids race due to the danger. Heck, my parents were two of them. It's a personal choice for the parents and it's a personal choice for the child. I've seen many children walk away after that first crash just like the one described in the article who went down in a mud puddle. His choice. Didn't want to do it anymore? Kudos to him.

Dirt bikers are a tight community and they know where their children are more often than the country clubbers.

BTW, my adult son and I enjoyed a great ride together a couple of weekends ago. Did I worry about him? Yes. But the ride was indescribable.

Let the kids ride/race. Just be sure you explain to them that it is "unsafe".

[Macho393]

no its not safe but neither is school..............my boy broke his arm on the monkey bars! I wonder how many bones it has broke.
I let my kids ride...the way I want them too! If not they park it.

[pjg351]

I have 3 boys that race, is it a dangerous sport? Yes you can get hurt, crippled or killed. But is it any worse than playing Football (NFL style) No! look you can wrap them in cotton wool and have them spend their weekends playing XBOX Honestly it's the best sport i think my boys could do, it makes them focus on something thats rewarding and skillfull, not every kid can be a Tiger woods or a olympic sprinter, but they can feel like they are a bubba Stewart or Chad Reed when there on that bike.

[kschilk]

In all reality (statistically speaking)....the most dangerous part of motocross, is the drive to and from the track. It's a perspective thing. Fact is, millions of people die in their sleep every year yet, people continue to do it. More kids are killed riding bicycles every year, than are even injured on motorcycles but how many parents deny their child a bike? Fact is, most anything can be done safely and by the same token, most anything done incorrectly or improperly, can be dangerous.

If a rider rides within his and the bike's limits, motocross is perfectly safe. Problem is, it's racing and in that particular scenario, people tend to push and often overextend those limits. If someone gets hurt, there's human error involved and it can't be blamed on the sport.

[2strkyz]

Kinda odd for a first post...

[MXtras]

Originally Posted by 2strkyz

Kinda odd for a first post...

Ya think?

My reply to the OP - MX builds morals and character that can't be found in other sports. If you disagree, it's because you have never experienced what the sport is all about. If you choose to lead a sheltered life inside away from all of the potential hazards in life that's fine. That is not everyone's choice.

I believe everyone should ride and race MX.

Scott

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by MXtras

I believe everyone should ride and race MX.

I am really starting to like your outlook on things Scott.

[yzernie]

Was I worried when Russ started riding...yes. I was a train wreck during his first race but it all worked out. Did he ever get banged up...despite getting him the best protective equipment...yes but not seriously hurt. Regardless of we went on a trail ride or the day I finally could not keep up with him on a motocross track, the experiences we have had together riding dirtbikes has been unmatched.

Every parent I respect wants the best for their kids. IMHO, allowing them to go through life without having some experience outside the house in an injustice.

[json]

My wife an I had this conversation recently. Our plans have changed to getting a couple of (gasp) quads so we can ride the kids around, due to my youngest being diagnosed with Epilepsy, but it's still going to be quality time we can spend with our kids doing something that they love doing.

If your kids want to ride, and they have the ability to do so safely, I think it's best that they do it with your permission, with a bike that you know the condition of, with all of the proper safety gear- rather than doing on their own with one of their friends without you knowing. Getting them involved with motocross, or even just riding offroad will give you time together with your kids, keep them off the streets, and teach them responsibility.

I almost died on a 20" bicycle. It was back in the 80's when helmets were for racing and you couldn't just run down to the local Wally World and pick up a helmet, but I'd have still spent time in the hospital for the compound clavicle break.

Kids are going to get hurt no matter what they're doing. I wonder if those same parents who accuse motocross parents of being abusive/negligent let their kids sit in front of the TV all day eating junk food, or being little smart mouthed monsters because it "builds confidence"....

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by json

I wonder if those same parents who accuse motocross parents of being abusive/negligent let their kids sit in front of the TV all day eating junk food, or being little smart mouthed monsters because it "builds confidence"....

I have often wondered the same thing. Some people just make no sense.

[DRGSin393]

no, its not a safe sport, and for some adults, thats part of the attraction. as a parent, its up to you, not your child, to decide whether or not the risks involved are worth it. for some its yes, for others its no. theres no right answer. my oldest son has been playing football, and basketball all his life. although he never raced, he rode up until last year. he has sustained more severe injuries in basketball and baseball than in football and riding combined. Once he started jumping, it was enough for me to say he's done riding, at least until he's all growed up and on his own. that was a persoanl decision which took many factors into account. you must do the same for your kid.

[yzernie]

Originally Posted by json

I wonder if those same parents who accuse motocross parents of being abusive/negligent let their kids sit in front of the TV all day eating junk food, or being little smart mouthed monsters because it "builds confidence"....

Prophetic words right there!!!!!

[pjg351]

Should we spoil the whole party, and tell him that once your kid is hooked, it's bye bye $$$$$$$$$$$ Gives new meaning to the word "bean counter"

[OLD-MAN]

I have a 17 year old that has been racing since he was 5, and I am with all of you I get worried as heck when they hit the first turn, but thats what he likes. I have a 9 year old that has decided that he wants to race. If he doesn't like it fine, but at least "HE" was given the opprotunity. This is a dangerouse world, my son broke his arm climbing in the pantry for Christmas candy, My younger son, put stitches in his head falling from the top of his dresser. neither one has had a severe injury from riding. "YET" Let em ride!!!!

---------- Post added at 11:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 AM ----------

I have a 17 year old that has been racing since he was 5, and I am with all of you I get worried as heck when they hit the first turn, but thats what he likes. I have a 9 year old that has decided that he wants to race. If he doesn't like it fine, but at least "HE" was given the opprotunity. This is a dangerouse world, my son broke his arm climbing in the pantry for Christmas candy, My younger son, put stitches in his head falling from the top of his dresser. neither one has had a severe injury from riding. "YET" Let em ride!!!!