Massachusetts Senator Richard T. Moore has sponsored legislation on behalf of a constituent, Paulette Zazza, which should be of great concern of all riders. Senate No. 1351, entitled "Petition To Improve Safety For Passengers Of Motorcycles," would prohibit any persons 16 years old and younger from riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on all Massachusetts roads.

There are already laws on the books that state that a passenger must sit on a seat, and his or her feet have to reach the footrests comfortably; but this proposed legislation puts an age definition that the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is opposed to.

This would have serious implications for the motorcycling families within Massachusetts as well as those traveling through the state, according to the MMA. "Those of us who’s motorcycles have always been the focal point of our families transportation and recreation would see our family's activities severely disrupted. For the out-of-state touring riders bringing their children on vacation would mean having to avoid Massachusetts completely," said an MMA spokesperson.

Concerned Massachusetts motorcyclists should contact their state legislators immediately and let them know how such legislation can affect you, and ask them to protect the American Motorcycling Family by opposing Senate No. 1351.