Aussie Chad Reed believes that riding motorcycles from a young age is important for development.

Australia’s international Supercross legend Chad Reed has joined the fight against banning youth model motorcycles and ATVs in the United States.

Joining a chorus of riders across the country, Reed and FMX icon Carey Hart recorded videos at the recent Indianapolis Dealer Expo, encouraging Congress to stop the ban on youth-model ATVs and motorcycles.

Concerned riders have sent more than 135,000 electronic messages and 3000 signed letters to Congress since the final push of the Stop the Ban campaign began four weeks ago.

Reed highlighted the importance of letting youth ride appropriately sized vehicles.

Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, the manufacture and sale of youth-size vehicles is effectively prohibited, which causes more young riders to ride vehicles that are too large in size and displacement.

“Unfortunately, it’s a sport where you need to ride motorcycles at a young age to learn that skill and grow with the motorcycles, grow with the power and get used to it, so I totally support keeping them around and keeping young kids on [them],” Reed, who recently became a father, commented.

Hart shared his own story on the importance of letting youth continue to ride.

“I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was four,” said Hart. “If it wasn’t for the ability to start riding at such a young age, I probably wouldn’t be where I am in my career. I think it’s a great, healthy sport.

“It’s something that kept me out of trouble and on the straight and narrow my entire life, and it’s not really fair for anybody to short-change that.”

“Congress, please stop the ban on kids’ ATVs and dirt bikes. It’s just getting ridiculous.”

The announcement was made by the American Motorcycle Industry Council, which is hosting the campaign to stop the ban.

“Whether you ride on the weekends or as a profession, it is clear to enthusiasts across the country that the lead content in youth off-highway vehicles poses no risk to kids,” said Paul Vitrano, general counsel of the MIC.

“We thank these celebrities for adding their powerful voices to the chorus of riders who continue to work for our cause. The message is clear. Now is the time for Congress to act.”

Visit www.stopthebannow.com to have your voice heard and for background information, FAQs, and public outreach tools for the Stop The Ban Campaign.