February 16, 2009
02/16/09 Bend
The new federal lead toy law that kicked in last week also bans ATVs and dirt bikes designed for children 12 and under. The reason is that there is lead in the battery, metal alloys and several other parts. Because the small units are designed for children, the rules ban their sale. Manufacturers are advising their dealers to pull them off the sales floor or risk fines.
"It's huge for not only our business, it's big for our industry. A lot of our ways of life, we have a lot of kids that ride. It's a huge, huge deal in our industry," says Grant McClean, Pro Caliber Business Manager.
It's estimated $100 million worth of inventory nationwide may be affected by the new laws.
Comments
Rediculous!!!
This is not the intent of the law. Most of the kids bikes don't have batteries and they are not chewing on them!! this would be difficult given the amount of protective gear we wear. This is another example of big government overstepping their bounds. When our economy is in such a mess, this is not going to help one bit.
Our family rides local trails together and many tourists visit our community with their families to enjoy our hundreds of miles of trails and riding areas (Paid for by OHV funds from the registration fees from the very bikes that are being banned). When one member of our family can't go, everyone stays home. That will be the case for many of the visitors that come to ride our trails. This means less dollars spent at our gas stations, resturants, hotels, and other shops.
For those who ride and race as a family this is the equivilant to your son or daughter showing up to a basketball (insert your favorite sporting evert here) tournament and being told that they can not compete because there was a trace amount of lead in the building.
Take the time to write your leaders and request them to make an exception to the powersports industry.
http://www.motoxposure.com/tv/video/letthekidsride.htm