Suffolk lawmakers unanimously passed a measure Thursday requiring motorcycle dealerships to perform pre-sale license checks in an effort to promote safe riding and reduce accidents.

Legis. Jack Eddington (WF-Medford) sponsored the bill that would make Suffolk the first county in New York to require motorcycle license checks.

"So this is to eliminate mostly young men getting these very powerful bikes and driving out of the dealership with no experience and no license," Eddington said.

June Ryan lost her son to a motorcycle accident.

"These kids are being killed," she said. "Needless losses."

Ryan's son, Shaun, bought a sport bike in 2005 without a license or any previous experience. Four days later, he lost control while riding and was killed.

While many riders News 12 Long Island spoke with didn't have a problem with the requirement, Stan Chornoma, of Eastern Harley-Davidson, said it would drive down sales. Chornoma said many motorcycles are purchased as surprises by bikers' wives or girlfriends who don't have licenses.

The bill would become law 120 days after it receives Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's signature and is filed with the state.Related Information: DMV DMV-approved Motorcycle Training Providers General Information About Driver Licenses