A similar question came up regarding graduated licensing. I believe they have a system in Australia where you have to start on a 200cc or smaller bike to begin with, then you're allowed to ride bigger bikes as you gain experience. Here was my reply, when someone said graduated licensing would be a good idea in the U.S.
"Graduated licensing is horrible. I should have the freedom to choose what I want to ride, always. It's not the government's job to decide what I can and can't handle, nor is it the government's job to babysit me at every turn.
Don't tell me I have to wear a helmet. I'll wear one anyway, because I value my life.
Don't tell me what kind of bike I can ride. I'll stay within my limitations, because I value my life.
Don't tell me I have to wear a seatbelt. I'll wear one anyway, because I value my life.
Just like I don't want the government telling me what kind of guns I can own, among other things.
The government shouldn't be our babysitter.
If anything, there should be helmet/seatbelt and other laws to protect children. Adults are on their own. If you're not smart enough to protect yourself, I don't need you breathing my air. But, your children aren't old enough to make those decisions for themselves, and if their mom/dad is next in line for the Darwin Award, the kids should not be forced to come along for the ride."
"Graduated licensing is horrible. I should have the freedom to choose what I want to ride, always. It's not the government's job to decide what I can and can't handle, nor is it the government's job to babysit me at every turn.
Don't tell me I have to wear a helmet. I'll wear one anyway, because I value my life.
Don't tell me what kind of bike I can ride. I'll stay within my limitations, because I value my life.
Don't tell me I have to wear a seatbelt. I'll wear one anyway, because I value my life.
Just like I don't want the government telling me what kind of guns I can own, among other things.
The government shouldn't be our babysitter.
If anything, there should be helmet/seatbelt and other laws to protect children. Adults are on their own. If you're not smart enough to protect yourself, I don't need you breathing my air. But, your children aren't old enough to make those decisions for themselves, and if their mom/dad is next in line for the Darwin Award, the kids should not be forced to come along for the ride."
