It has become normal that every time around this year, there is a biker festival that takes place at the Riders Ranch, Sidvokodvo, along the MR9-Mhlaleni/ Nhlangano Public Road.
Thousands of bikers and all other groups of road users converge at the place to celebrate this beautiful sport that has been ongoing for over the last three decades. It would be amiss for this publication not to venture into challenges that may juxtapose themselves between the revellers of this event and their safety in traffic.
For starters, one should commend the Paiva family at Sidvokodvo, who pioneered this activity and have been also at the forefront in preparation for the sport. By extension, not only the road towards the place will be busy and decorated with bikers, but almost all the borders pouring into the country as the sport draws both regional and interna¬tional participants and spectators. It is imperative, therefore, that our roads are kept clean of jaywalking, reckless driving, stray animals and any other unduly engagements on the road. The rally talks to swell¬ing traffic in most roads and entry ports alike, hence the importance of being cautious and always be on the lookout.
Bikers ensure your safety on the road
There is a clandestine rumour do¬ing the rounds that while bikers may be licensed to drive vehicles, some are not licensed to ride.
Inasmuch as biking is a sport, motorbikes ought not be ridden on account of sentiments, but bikers must adhere to the laws that they are trained on to use this automobile before they embark on the road. These will give the biker the edge to know how to save themselves should eventualities arise in their way.
While bikes are fast, small and can meander anywhere, bikers should always understand that they are regulated by the known speed in traffic; the same way motorists are expected to comply, so are they.
The sport itself is meant for pleasure and offers a place for relaxation and even sleepovers, for those reasons no one is expected to drink and ride for that may cloud one’s judgement in the use of the road. While bikers are cruising to the rally, it is imperative that they are cognisant of the fact that there is one life, one ride and should ensure they are safe at all times. It is still important to know that stray animals can be on the road at any time of the day and thus ex¬cessive speed is totally discouraged.
The road is shared space, save a biking brother
The brother or sister in a vehicle may never have been a biker in their lives, but have been schooled how to share the road with anyone forming an integral part of traffic. While you drive, it is important to make it safe for bikers as well.
Oftentimes, collisions between the two groups have been realised because the motorists have made U-turns unduly on the road or others have executed overtaking while the biker was pretty close behind. Such mistakes may be a result of noncha¬lance to the presence of the bike and the rider and swell and the volumes of affected and vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
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