Call to Action – Bill 117

1ST & 2ND READING...PASSED!!!

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Legislation has been introduced into the Ontario Legislature which could ban motorcycle passengers under the age of 14.    It was quietly introduced last month as a private member’s bill and passed 1^st reading.  

This proposed bill is not based on any scientific research.   Riders, industry, industry associations and safety experts were not consulted prior to introduction of this bill.  

Although this directly affects motorcyclists, it is not about motorcycling or motorcycles.   This speaks to legislation based on incorrect information being introduced and passed into law without due diligence.   It can affect any citizen engaged in any activity.   It speaks to a lack of reasonableness, responsibility and accountability.   I am duly concerned for everyone’s – including children’s safety – whether as a motorcycle passenger or in any other activity.   I also support legislation that makes sense to me and this does not.

This has the potential of being the tip of the iceberg once it gets to committee.  Other amendments can be mixed in such as banning passengers for riders with only an "M2" license; limiting engine size based on experience; limiting engine size, and so on. 

A bill like this can pass through committee very swiftly and be passed into law with little comment from the opposition.
 

It is important to take action now and voice your opposition.   2^nd reading is scheduled for December 4^th and it then proceeds to committee.   If unopposed, it could become law by spring.

Below is a letter which you can download, use as a template and mail to your local MPP.   I would also urge you to send it to Helena Jaczek, MPP Oak Ridges-Markham who introduced the bill, Premier Dalton McGuinty, and Jim Bradley, the Minister of Transportation. Their contact information is at the bottom of this letter.    

Any citizen of Ontario of any age can exercise your rights and submit this letter.  I urge all to do so.   Make sure the letter is dated and contains your full name, mailing address and original signature.  Legible hand written letters can be very effective.

See related article – Kids on Motorcycles – What makes sense? 
Mark Richardson, Toronto Star - November 8, 2008

ORRA's Letter to The Toronto Star - Read It
Sent to Mark Richardson, Toronto Star - January 24, 2009