'POCKET BIKE' WARNING ISSUED LAW AGENCIES SAY TINY CYCLES ARE ILLEGAL, HARD TO SEE.

Byline: Amy Raisin Darvish Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - With Christmas just a week away, local law enforcement agencies are warning parents to avoid buying miniature motorcycles, known as ``pocket bikes,'' for their children, citing legal restrictions and potential collisions.

Originally designed for racing on European tracks, pocket bikes are much smaller versions of motorcycles and are designed for speed. Generally, the seat on a pocket bike is just 2 feet off the ground.

But it is that same diminutive size that creates a potentially deadly situation for both the rider and others on the road, according to authorities. This inherent danger has prompted many cities, including Santa Clarita, to ban the operation of pocket bikes on streets, sidewalks and parking lots.

``You can't legally ride them anywhere around here, except on private property,'' said Detective Robert Smoldt of the Santa Clarita sheriff's station. ``Basically, they're the size of a large tricycle. Cars can't see these things and they come out of nowhere. It's been a local issue for years.''

While exact numbers were not available, Smoldt said deputies have issued numerous citations in recent years to people riding the speedy cycle. Violators are issued tickets, the bikes are impounded and the offenders then face an uphill battle in court because, often, numerous laws have been broken.

The fundamental violation is the operation of a vehicle that is not considered roadworthy, Smoldt said.

``Most of these bikes don't have proper lights, turn signals, brake lights,'' he said. ``Then there's the fact that the DMV won't register them, which means you can't get insurance'' to operate pocket bikes.

Popular with teens, the most common versions of pocket bikes are available at chain auto parts stores and even lawn mower shops. The faster versions are marketed with stickers promoting speeds of up to 45 mph.

Opponents of these gas- and electric-powered minibikes point to the small size/speed combination when considering some alarming statistics. According to ConsumerReports.org, an independent, nonprofit consumer safety organization, an estimated 2,345 riders were treated at hospitals in 2003 for injuries suffered while riding a pocket bike.

In a report published this month on the consumer safety Web site, the organization, which tested the bikes, found that other drivers could not see minibike riders, the brake systems were poor, handling was subpar and throttles were sluggish.

Smoldt said riders who are cited for operating pocket bikes often do not bother paying the fee required to get the impounded bike back.

``A 30-day impound can cost up to $900,'' Smoldt said. ``Who's going to bother to pay that kind of money for a bike that's only worth $250? (The bikes) just end up being destroyed. We want parents to know that it's just not worth it, especially because of the dangers.''

Amy Raisin Darvish, [phone]

amy.raisin(at)dailynews.com