I have a similar problem. Living in Spain, kids can ride a scooter from the age of 14 which personally I think is the wrong way to go. However, you can't drive a car until you're 18!! We average a loss of one kid a year from motorcycling in our village of 3000 people.

My son is now 14 and I don't think he is mature enough to ride, but I know he's taken the neighbours scooter out into the campo to see his mate. Whilst I was ranting and raving that he didn't have insurance, he wasn't a competent driver and it was irresponsible, his dad just stood behind me saying nothing. 'What would you do if the police saw you' to which he replied 'I did, waved, and they waved back!' His dad didn't say anything because at the same age, he was doing the same thing.

How can you discourage your kids not to ride if you ride yourself. I learnt on a Honda 90 when I was 17 years old and have ridden on and off for more than 20 years working my way up to a Moto Guzzi California. When I had a break from riding, I went on a refresher course. Now I ride an XT600 (as does my hubby) and a Tricker 250 and I'd love nothing more than our son to join us on our rides out. But I'd hate to think he was out there on his own pratting around with his mates.

Kids will always do things their way (we all did didn't we?) no matter how much you try to encourage/discourage them to do things. Much better that they do it with your blessing and your knowledge. All you can do is encourage them to ride safely and responsibly.