Biker awareness shifts gears in Windhoek
Bikers are considered the most vulnerable road users globally due to the simple fact that they have no protection other than gloves and helmets. While these items help, they offer little compared to the safety belts and airbags available to other motorists. This past weekend, the third annual biker awareness gathering in Windhoek aimed to […] The post Biker awareness shifts gears in Windhoek appeared first on The Namibian.
Black News 
Bikers are considered the most vulnerable road users globally due to the simple fact that they have no protection other than gloves and helmets.
While these items help, they offer little compared to the safety belts and airbags available to other motorists.
This past weekend, the third annual biker awareness gathering in Windhoek aimed to sensitise the public about motorcycle safety, according to Rousseau Hill of Nambiker.
Hill says while bikers love the freedom of the open road, they have families just like everyone else.
“In most cases they ride in groups, often to the frustration of fellow motorists. This is not to annoy fellow road users, but is a form of ‘watching out for each other’. We ride in packs,” he says.
The risk of injury or fatality on a bike is significantly higher than in a car. Research indicates that approximately 5 000 motorcyclists die annually on roads worldwide.
Consequently, Hill urges all road users to exercise mutual respect.
Amid a visible rise in the number of motorcyclists, Hill recommends that all riders undergo training at an accredited riding school.
“This would be to the benefit of the riders. Motorbikes have become more powerful and faster; even the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja H2, Suzuki Hayabusa (Gen 3) or the BMW S1000RR can turn into killer machines if not respected,” he says.
“The days of buying a bike and immediately hitting the road are gone due to increased traffic. Go learn more riding techniques,” Hill advises.
As part of the weekend’s activities, which included mass rides and socialising, Nambiker invited local riding schools to assist and guide riders.
Even those with years of experience were encouraged to take refresher courses.
Hill calls on motorists to understand terms like lane splitting and filtering, which involves bikers riding between slow-moving or stationary vehicles, typically at stop signs or traffic lights.
This is regarded as a safety measure to prevent riders from being rear-ended.
He says since he and his wife, Magna, have campaigned for safety awareness and launched this project three years ago, they have seen significant growth and applaud the biker community’s involvement.
Hill says would like to see more safety campaigns held in conjunction with entities such as the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, the Roads Authority, the Windhoek City Police, and the police in local media.
Contrary to the age-old belief that bikers are ‘mean’ or looking for trouble, many clubs focus on charity work, including annual toy runs, blanket drives, and fundraising for the needy. Hill also reminds bikers to abide by Namibian road safety laws to avoid any brushes with law enforcement.
The post Biker awareness shifts gears in Windhoek appeared first on The Namibian.
