Malcolm Smith Protest on Youth Ban

A recent press release from Resource Marketing announced Malcolm Smith was taking action against the kids bike ban under the CPSIA, and that he will lead a protest at Malcolm Smith Motorsports on Thursday, March 19.

The release stated: "Our hero and friend Malcolm Smith is mad as hell and he's not taking it any longer so he's committed to staging a protest against the latest CPSCI Act which restricts the sale of motorcycle and ATVs to kids."

But to call it a protest would be an understatement. There will be a bit more than picket signs and chanting... Come Thursday, Malcolm is going to disregard the ban and start selling youth OHVs. Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Ward and Troy Lee have already announced they plan to take part in the protest and purchase youth bikes from Malcolm Smith Motorsports on Thursday.

Right now, it's anyone's guess as to what the repercussions of this bold move will be, but one thing is for sure: Malcolm is not willing to spend another day not reacting to the CPSIA and the devastation it has had on the front lines of our industry - our dealers, who have investetd their lives into the sale of OHVs.

Following are the details of the protest event. Stay tuned to Cycle News for more info on the coming protest and futher developments on the kids bike ban under the CPSIA.

Protest Event Fact Sheet
Who: Malcolm Smith

What: Kids Love 2 Ride Protest

When: Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6:00am PST

Where: Malcolm Smith Motorsports

7599 Indiana Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
http://www.malcolmsmith.com

Why: In defiance of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which prohibits the sale of youth motorcycles and ATVs deemed unhealthy for children under 12 due to suspected high-levels of lead content, motorcycle dealer Malcolm Smith will sell these banned vehicles as a sign of protest. As a sign of support, a group of small business people and high-profile motorcycle industry celebrities, including racers Jeff Ward and Jeremy McGrath, Glen Helen Raceway owner Bud Feldkamp, and motorsport design guru Troy Lee have all agreed to be on hand to purchase banned units for use by their own children and grandchildren.