Taking Action on Bill 117 – An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act to prohibit the driving and operation of motorcycles with child passengers.
Bill 117 was introduced as a Private Member's Bill in the Ontario Legislature on Oct. 27, 2008, by MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek, a Liberal member representing Oak Ridges-Markham who is also Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Promotion. She was previously Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Region of York for 18 years until her election to the Legislature in 2007.
Bill 117 received first reading on Oct. 27th and is scheduled for second reading on Nov. 3rd. Dr. Jaczek has told a member of the press that it will be discussed in committee on December 4th. This latter information cannot be confirmed since most Private Members bills never reach the discussion and debate stage and "die" on the order paper, do not therefore reach third reading and do not become law. At this time though, there is no certainty that this bill will not proceed into law.
The billsimply states, "No person shall drive or operate a motorcycle on a highway if another person under the age of 14 years is a passenger on the motorcycle."It does not make exemption for motorcycles with a sidecar, or for 3 wheeled (tricycle) motorcycles.
If you are concerned that this law, if passed would prevent CVMG members from introducing their children or grandchildren to motorcycling by giving them a ride, or preventing members fromusing their motorcycle to transport younger members of their families, then you should, as soon as possible, write, call, Email and inform your local Member of the Ontario Legislature of your views on Bill 117. You should also contact the Premier of Ontario and the leaders of the Opposition parties, the Minister of Transportation and any other members of the Legislature you may have connections to or wish to inform of your views, including Dr. Jaczek.
The addresses, telephone numbers, Fax numbers and Email addresses for all members of the Legislature can be found at http://www.ontla.on.ca under the heading "Current MPPs".
Please spread the word about this proposed legislation to any other motorcyclists in your circle of acquaintances, motorcycle businesses, etc., etc.and encourage them to put their views forward. Other motorcycling organizations such as the Ont. Federation of Trail Riders, the Ontario Road Riders, the MCC, the CMA, the MMIC, and some of the motorcycling press, have been alerted and it is understood that action will be taken by these organizations and that there will be an article based on an interview with Dr. Jaczek in the Nov. 8th issue of the Saturday Star "Wheels" section, available on line.
If you have any questions concerns, comments, please contact Al Johnson, 51 Market St., Georgetown, ON, L7G 3C4, Email afjohnson@sympatico.ca, Tel 905-877-1565
