Dear Abby: I feel like reporting the neighbor kid’s dangerous behavior

DEAR ABBY I have a neighbor who lets his young son ride his small but still fast motorcycle up and down our street without a helmet The boy appears to be around years old Related Articles Dear Abby I m tired of living alone while my girlfriend lives with her husband Dear Abby My husband made fun of me in the store and I ended up in tears Dear Abby He s like a magnet for these aggressively dancing women Dear Abby She had an astonishing reaction to my family photo Dear Abby I think my friends should refund my vacation money but they refuse The father is also a rider and I m surprised he allows this Every time I see it I feel angry at the parent and terrified for the kid I m on the verge of calling child protective services Isn t this against the law What should I do as a responsible adult TERRIFIED NEIGHBOR DEAR TERRIFIED Have you spoken to the boy s father about your concerns which are valid and been ignored In majority of states helmets are mandatory for minors Only states do not require that they be worn Go online and check whether your state requires helmets If it does and the father is resistant contact child protective services While this may seem extreme as I read your letter I was reminded of a conversation I once had with the director of an organ donation organization In the module of our conversation I wondered aloud who the ideal organ donor might be His response floored me He explained A -year-old man on a motorcycle In that vein I am sure organs from a younger child would be just as welcome if not more DEAR ABBY I am and already facing ageism Chosen of my neighbors who are in their s and s make ageist statements aimed at me These people do not know me but happen to live in my building One time I was wearing a brand-new purple winter coat I loved It was a gift from a close friend A woman complimented me on my coat followed by I didn t know you could wear something like that at your age I was offended but remained silent and didn t react emotionally The next case occurred in front of a group of people in the elevator I was going down with my new mountain bike ready to take it for a spin when a young couple got on The man declared Nice bike I didn t know people your age could still ride mountain bikes His girlfriend covered her mouth with her hand and everyone collapsed into laughter Again I chose not to react Abby it s getting to the point where I just pop on headphones and focus on my music when I m in the elevator or common areas of my building Are there any good comebacks to these ageist barbs I haven t reacted because my dignity is major to my personal enhancement and well-being Is it best to remain silent What do you suggest GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY Related Articles Asking Eric The receptionist paid for screwing up my account Harriette Cole My teen s sports season was ruined and I don t know how to help her Miss Manners I didn t intend it as a gag gift but they laughed at it all night Dear Abby I m tired of living alone while my girlfriend lives with her husband Asking Eric The look-at-me pregnancy reveal was the latest rudeness from my niece DEAR GROWING OLD At you aren t over the hill I see people in their s and s who are operational vital and attractive You aren t going to teach classless younger people any lessons so keep your reaction good-humored When it happens again and it may smile and tell the youngster you hope they are lucky enough to do this wear this etc when they reach your age Then keep on walking or biking and don t look back Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren also known as Jeanne Phillips and was founded by her mother Pauline Phillips Contact Dear Abby at www DearAbby com or P O Box Los Angeles CA