MSNBC interviewed Pocketbike Planet staff member Bill Wilkey of Advanced Motor Sports in Fairfx, VA for a December special report on
Pocketbikes. The media wants to get out the word to parents that these bikes are not toys and not intended for street use. Bill Wilkey concurred and acknowledged that parents need to be aware that responsible riding begins in controlled environments like Race Tracks and private property such as parking lots that have barriers that separate the riders from other motor vehicles and from spectators. He added that racing clubs across the nation are providing access to organized racing and that the PocketbikePlanet.com was a great place to get information.
In response to the reported concern about the inherent risks of
pocketbikes and kids, Bill suggested that we need to work on a solution-based approach addressing the appropriate use of the bikes. He advocated for the creation of facilities where kids could ride in a safe, controlled environment and compaired the
pocketbikes situation of today to that of the skateboarding controversy in the 1970's.
Bill did an excellent job promoting the sport and acknowledging the challenges that exist with the mass-marketing of
pocketbikes as toys. Education is the only way pocketbike enthusiasts can show the public that
pocketbikes have a place in our society, if sold and used responsibly.
A new tag-line to educated the public is RACE: R= Ride Responsibly (Obeying the laws and Riding within ones limits); A= Always Wear Safety Gear (Helmet, Gloves, Arm & Leg Protection, Protective Clothing and Shoes); C= Controlled Riding Environment is Essential for Safety (Race tracks or parking lots with secured barriers that separate riders from autos & spectators); E= Educating Other About Safe and Responsible Riding.
The above components of RACE, may sound obvious to you, but the majority of the public has no clue about
pocketbikes. If we all want to enjoy riding and developing the sport, we need to be vocal and educate others. It would be sad to see the sale of
pocketbikes banned in the USA. The interview will broadcast nation-wide on MSNBC, we will notify you of the date as soon as we are informed.
Regards,
Robert Basil and Jay Wandalowski
