Representative Thomas Petrolati

Representative Thomas Petrolati

116 Sewell Street

Ludlow Massachusetts

01056

Re: Opposition to House Bill No. 3592

Dear Representative Petrolati:

I am writing to express my vehement opposition to House bill No 3592. This Bill purports to be for “Child Safety on ATVs”. The sponsors are using the guise of protecting children to virtually do away with all ATV use in the Commonwealth. This Bill attempts to bring the regulation of ATVs into Chapter 90 of Mass General Laws. This Bill wants ATVs to be subject to all the “registration, title, and insurance requirements of Chapter 90. The insurance component alone will end all ATV use in the state. Do you know of an insurance company who will insure a dirt bike for a 14 year old (or any age rider), including personal injury protection? The cost of insurance, if even available, would be more expensive than the motorcycle.

This Bill has not been thought through. There are many far reaching consequences of this Bill that have not been addressed. One element that is not mentioned is competitive use of ATVs/dirt bikes. Every week, throughout the spring through fall seasons, hundreds of children from 5 to 14 years old race competitively in the state. Under this Bill, this sport would be eliminated. In addition, hundreds of people from 15 to 60 years old race each week.. Do you want all of these racers subject to the “ registration, title, and insurance” requirements of Chapter 90?

I have far too many objections to this Bill to address in a single letter. I would like a chance to personally discuss this issue and learn your position. Please join me in opposing this ill-conceived Bill. I will contact your office to make an appointment. Thank you for your attention to this very significant issue.

Yours truly,

Gary J Scagliarini