The growing number of motorcycle users has doubled . Similarly, the cases of road crashes including motorcycles are also growing. We are alarmed by everyday accounts of bloody bike crashes, little is being done to mitigate them. Safe-T-Ryders, a training center concerned about motorcycle riders, reaches out to Malabon riders with its 3rd Bikers Club Meet-Up on Sunday, 20 May 2012, at the Malabon Amphitheater. As part of the Araw ng Malabon celebrations,it will be hosted by club UFRC (Underbone Fury Riders Club) and bringing together Malabon bike riders ready for a day of fun and learning.
List are the statistical highlights with the compelling need for a safety riding campaign:
•2010 LTO data show that of the 1.1-M new vehicles registered, about 80% or just over 900,000 were in the motorcycle/tricycle category. The same data set shows that registered MC/TC now total close to 3.5-million or more than 52% of the 6.6-million registered vehicle population in the country.
•Not surprisingly enough, that while Metro Manila accident data for the years 2005-2010 have remained steady at around 120,000 cases, those involving MC/TC have grown from just 9.4% (11,475) in 2005 to 14.6% (20,518) in 2010.
For greater awareness among the public and motorcycle riders in particular, Safe-T-Ryders will conduct a series of Bikers Club Meet-Ups. The goal is to engage organized bikers to take active part in the promotion of road safety and reduction of road mishaps.
Alberto H. Suansing, former LTO chief and current executive director of the Philippine Global Road Safety Program (PGRSP), exchanged views with representatives of the Underbone Fury Riders Club from Malabon, Bright Lights Club of Valenzuela, as well as BayTor Riders, Manressa Riders Club, RJ Riders and Interstate Riders Club from Quezon City. Discussions focused on issues and matters affecting the bike riders in their daily commute.
A Safe-T-Ryders instructor demonstrates using the much talked-about “Fatal Vision” goggles to emphasize the very damaging effects of riding under the influence of alcohol, and its severe consequences resulting in serious injuries and even death. With the growing number of road crashes resulting from riding under the influence of alcohol, Safe-T-Ryders is mounting a campaign against riding motorbikes after taking alcohol.
According to founder Arnel Doria, "The Club Meet-Up program is part of our advocacy to engage bikers club members in the active campaign to multiply the number of responsible and disciplined bikers. This will be a continuing program for Safe-T-Ryders Training Center and we invite corporate partners to join us in this road safety advocacy." Club Meet Up is regularly supported by Gadgets Magazine and Blaze motorcycles. Past events sponsors were Petron, McDonald’s and AVT Navigator.
Safe-T-Ryders Training Center believes that a sound knowledge base as well as strong riding skills result in safer road users and enhance the enjoyment of motorcycle riders. It was established by Arnel Doria, who was the head of marketing for a leading car brand and was also instrumental in setting up the country's first integrated vehicle training center. The training center is manned by Julius Ballesteros, a TESDA-certified instructor who has just completed a two-year stint as a safety driving instructor of a large Saudi Arabian company, and Sulfikar Guiabel, an experienced LTO-accredited riding/driving instructor.
The Biker Meet-Up is open to bike club members as well as individual riders. Interested participants are requested to pre-register and reserve a slot. Attendance is free of charge to qualified participants. For more information, please contact Safe T Ryders (Tel No. 208-8035 / Mobile: 0932-872-3389). Check for updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/safetryders).
