motorbikes and kids

Hi there,

My son is 10 and I have been informed that dad has been transporting him on the back of his motorbike during their weekends together. Last year, I contacted dad and told him that I am not happy to have our son on the back of the bike. I have made my point very clear. It was understood that our son would no longer go on the back of his motorbike but he has reneged on his word. And although it is not illegal, the safety of motorbikes is questionable and I don''t feel it is a) right for dad to put our son at the same risk as himself and b) do something this risky without my agreement or knowledge.

How can I reasonably manage this situation and legally protect my son from this risk? (Note: Dad and I communicate through email only and the court has ordered no face to face contact between parents due to past history.) Thank you for insight and advice. Just another note, I lost a child last summer, so please, if this is going to create hot-headed pro-bike comments, then kindly refrain from responding. I don''t want to be convinced. I just want my questions answered honestly and gently. Thanks.

No idea.

I do know one thing though, when I rode behind my Dad on his motorbike, I loved it. I was probably about 10 and I''m female

That''s great but that answer is best left to another forum and doesn''t answer my question. I am glad you loved it, but this is a legal query. I don''t need convincing I just want to know my own rights as a concerned parent. Please take no offense. I understand my stance is strong. It is what it is. Many thanks.

Does your child wear appropriate protective clothing and a properly fitting helmet when riding pillion?

I just don''t know. Helmet yes. Protective clothing no, I am almost certain based on what son has said. But leathers mean jack when there''s whole-body exposure in a collision, right?

The same could be said for seat-belts in cars involved in a head-on collision.

What your ex does with his/your son during his parenting time is really down to him and his judgement, so although you can express your grave concerns over this matter, you can''t determine what he can and can''t do.

Accidents are a fact but you must admit we are far more protected by seatbelts and airbags in a car. On a bike you are exposed. This is my point.

Go easy on me. I buried a child last summer.