Motorcycle safety is Think Bike’s top priority

The group decided to bring Think Bike, the well-known and established national motorcycle safety awareness campaign, to the Lowveld. It was established in the early 1980s and revived in Gauteng just after the turn of the century. Think Bike started out as a campaign that handed out bumper stickers and leaflets on safety. But it quickly grew to more than that. It became a community of safety activists that visited schools and shows to spread the message.

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It has a presence in Gauteng and the Western Cape, mostly because of its marshalling services.

Think Bike established a marshalling service that provides safety officers to events such as road-cycling and mountain-bike events. It also issued marshalling services to the largest motorcycle charity event in the country, the Toy Run in Gauteng, and keeps cycling clubs safe on their club rides.

Think Bike is about safety first and a few messages explain the essence of the campaign:

• ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time) – Always ride with the proper riding gear, even if it is just a quick trip to the shops for bread and milk. Proper gear starts with a proper helmet that is properly fastened; a jacket that offers protection against impacts as well as abrasion; gloves that are fastened and will offer protection against abrasions; preferably riding pants that offer protection against abrasion and impacts, but at least a pair of jeans; strong shoes with laces, preferably with some ankle protection.

• Go for training. You can never ride too well, so you will not waste time by going for rider training. Think Bike has been training its marshals and will also facilitate some skills training in the Lowveld.

• Ride within your ability. If you want to push your comfort zone, do it on a racetrack. Attend a track day at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria, Kyalami in Johannesburg, or Red Star outside Delmas.

• Obey the rules of the road. They are there for a reason.

The local Think Bike team invites every motorcyclist in the Lowveld to get involved with the campaign. To spread the message of motorcycle – and road – safety is everyone’s duty. Experienced riders are welcome to assist in spreading the message and inexperienced riders are welcome to join in and learn how to ride safer.

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The training that Think Bike facilitates is for low-speed handling. Most motorcycle accidents actually happen at low speeds and that is where Think Bike would like to see rider skills enhanced. Low-speed handling skills translate well to higher-speed riding and these could be life-saving skills.

Anyone interested in being part of this initiative can send an email to rehann@myfiets.co.za.