The Wheels on the Bike Go Round and...ooooph

The New Jersey State Assembly recently passed bill A2686 which makes it illegal for bicycling stores to sell bikes with "quick release" skewers, the skewer is what binds the wheel to the bikes fork. While billed as a measure to protect the children, amendments added to the bill (for kicks, you can view the progress from a simple bill to a horribly convoluted bill by going to this link and checking out the versions, whoo hooo!) seem to read that all bikes are exempt. The problem is the 20" standard. In the first version, the standard was "intended for use by children." OK, that does seem to be purpose of the bill (more on that later). Then came, "with a wheel diameter of 20 inches or less." OK, now we're getting picky, but still, it's within the realm of the idea. Then came the mind numbing, "(a) the front wheel diameter is greater than 20 inches; or (b) it is a specialty adult bicycle with a front wheel diameter of 20 inches or less." while keeping the "20" or less" standard in the same document. So, it will be illegal to sell bikes with quick release skewers on bikes with a front wheel diameter of 20" or less, and bikes with a front wheel diameter of 20" or more. Now, I'm no math genius (that would be Mr. Malone's department), but that seems to cover pretty much all bikes (except, for some reason, adult specialty bikes with a front wheel diameter of less than 20", go figure). This is State Government at its finest. Simple bill, with a simple goal (patience, patience) that now takes it out of everyone with a very poorly written bill. There are 100's of thousands of bikes out there with qr's, I've ridden them for years, they serve many purposes and work great. While they can be a problem, so can any piece of equipment. A bolt can work loose, break, whatever.

But more interesting, and why this post is under the "Helen Lovejoy" tab is the the line that

"Children riding bicycles with quick release wheels have been involved in over 100 accident: Many of the children involved in these accidents have suffered injuries, including permanent scarring, disfigurement, major bone and dental trauma, severe scraping and bruising, brain injury, and ruptured internal organs;"

What it doesn't say is over what period that 100 happened and how many were of real consequence. Beyond being shoddy, its also dumb. I suggest banning roads, as I recall lots of road rash growing up riding my bike. I also recommend doing away with cars (easy to hit and get hit by), dogs, fences, other kids, rocks, sticks, ramps, girls (they induce boys to "show off"), bike chains, bike stems (any boy who's ever hit that knows exactly what I'm talking about), AND bolts (they come loose, I know this from actual experience, I suggest welding everything in place). I also suggest making all kids wear mouthpieces, gloves, steel toed boots, and knee and elbow pads. You know what, I think they should just ban "fun" and just make every parent wrap their kid in bubble wrap.

Finally, I liked this part.

[Multiple bicycle manufacturers have recalled their quick release mechanisms due to failure of the mechanism; and]²

The danger to children caused by bicycles with quick release wheels is unacceptable in light of the fact that safer alternatives exist ²; and

Furthermore, advances in quick release technology make it right and proper that the new mechanisms—which are less prone to assembler and user error—be used in place of the old².

It is, therefore, altogether fitting and proper that the State regulate the sale of bicycles with quick release wheels to stem the rash of senseless injuries to children resulting from their use.

Sooo, the market worked with recalls and newer quick releases that work better. Yet Paul D. Moriarity, wants to ban them and regulate an obscure part of the bike market. It's elementary, Moriarity can't ride a bike and doesn't want anyone else to do so either. Because of Assemblyman Moriarity, the whole of NJ can't buy bikes with qr's increasing cost and hassle for everyone, all because over 100 problems of some sort have occurred over some undetermined amount of time.

Local Government, gotta love it.