PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is hosting an event in Washington, D.C., the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb, to send a resounding message to federal lawmakers that action is needed now to exclude kid-sized dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. The AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb takes place Thursday, May 26, at the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. The AMA invites all young riders, their families and enthusiasts who want to help save the future of youth riding to attend this significant gathering. It’s important that families planning to attend, or who may attend, register online by May 12 so that the AMA Government Relations staff can assist attendees with scheduling a meeting with their respective member of Congress. “This is an extremely important event because the CPSIA will essentially ban the sale of kids’ off-highway vehicles [OHVs] if it isn’t changed before the end of the year,” said Jessica Irving, AMA grassroots coordinator. “The good news is that there is a bill in Congress, H.R. 412, the ‘Kids Just Want to Ride Act,’ that would exempt kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs from the CPSIA. “A well-attended AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb will help urge lawmakers to support the Kids Just Want to Ride Act,” Irving said. “When a lot of us gather on the Capitol grounds, followed by one-on-one time with our legislators, we can send a clear message that families who recreate together are being harmed by the CPSIA. “Action is needed now or else American families who love to recreate responsibly on OHVs will suffer,” she added. The CPSIA, commonly called the “lead law,” was designed to ban small toys with high lead content. However, because of broadly written language in the law, it has been interpreted to apply to all products for kids, including dirtbikes, bicycles, clothing and books. The best way for motorcyclists to address the problem is to ask their federal lawmakers to support H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, and plan to attend the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb, which will include AMA Government Relations Department experts who will help families lobby Congress in support of the bill. U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), author of the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, will be among those attending the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb. A highlight of the event will be the debut of a kid-produced video selected as the winner in the AMA’s “Kids Just Want to Ride!” video contest. For more information on the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb and ways to help save youth riding, contact the AMA Grassroots Team at (202) 742-4310 or e-mail [email protected]. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.