With increased petrol prices more people are taking to the roads on motorcycles. Our bikers may well be described as a special breed of person – from the sometimes rougher exterior to the kind-hearted outdoor loving individuals eagerly participating in the annual toy run!
These guys and girls often share a strong camaraderie and join motorbike clubs who not only organize breakfast runs, toy runs and other events -but also safety initiatives!
On the Arrive Alive website we have given much attention to the safety of the biking community. Motorbike/ Motorcycle clubs can play a significant role in promoting safe biking amongst its members and we would like to share how this is done with reference to 100’S Riders:
The 100’S RIDERS is a fraternity of like-minded motorcycling enthusiasts based in KwaZulu-Natal and committed to the practice, promotion and advancement of responsible motorcycling and preventative road-safety, riding under the banner of ‘Look Twice and Save a life’.
The 100’S RIDERS was formed in 2009 by a group of friends based in Pietermaritzburg who were all keen on motorcycling but not comfortable with travelling at excessive speed, the idea being to ride at a safer, slower pace whilst enjoying each other’s company and the comraderie found between motorcycling enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, the name ‘100’S RIDERS’ does not mean the group travels at 100 kph or that you and your bike’s ages should add up to 100 years!, but it is based on the phase ‘HUNDREDS” as in ‘LIFE’S GREAT!’
Road Safety - “Look Twice and Save a Life”
The 100’s Riders are committed to raising road safety awareness and practice amongst all road users.
Road safety is a major concern for all road-users and in a bid to assist traffic authorities and civil society in this monumental task and to save lives, the 100’s Riders launched its “LOOK TWICE AND SAVE A LIFE” safety campaign.
In conjunction with Department of Transport and N3TC, a road safety awareness day was held at Mooi River Toll Plaza where pamphlets on road safety were handed out by 100’s Riders and motorists were asked their perception of motorcycling in relation to road safety.
From information gathered we found that the main concerns of truck, car and taxi drivers in relation to their motorcycling brethren were: excessive speed; incorrect following distances, and blind spots; and that to foster the safety of bikers would require the involvement and awareness of all road users – bikers and motorists alike.
Poor visibility of bikers has always been an issue and to remedy this the 100’s Riders promotes the wearing of high-viz vests which has proved to be most beneficial.
Lead by Example
At appropriate opportunities and events our “LOOK TWICE AND SAVE A LIFE” safety campaign is promoted with 100’s Riders giving of their time.
Within Pietermaritzburg and beyond, the effects of the “LOOK TWICE AND SAVE A LIFE” safety campaign are evident, with a substantial number of motor vehicles and motorcycles bearing the “LOOK TWICE AND SAVE A LIFE” bumper sticker and an increasing number of motorcyclists utilising high-viz vests.
Road Safety awareness campaigns have been held at schools within the Pietermaritzburg region with 100’s Riders giving of their time
Organised rides of the 100’s Riders are carefully planned with pre-ride meetings. Riders are split into pods of 7 with a leader and sweeper (generally more experienced riders) dedicated to each pod.
Each pod is separated to facilitate the movement of other road users.
Extensive use is made of hand and feet signals within each pod to give instructions to the pod such as indicating riding patterns, road conditions and where caution should be exercised.
Each ride is conducted in an orderly formation within the prescribed speed limit and the consumption of alcohol is not permitted. The use of high-viz vests is compulsory.
Social Responsibility
Apart from the “LOOK TWICE AND SAVE A LIFE” safety campaign, the 100’s Riders believe and practise social responsibility.
As such the 100’s Riders participate in all KwaZulu-Natal Bikers Federation sanctioned events aim at making a difference within society.
Apart from these events, the 100’s Riders assist when requested. This includes providing marshalling at running, cycling and other events or providing assistance, support or fundraising for causes such as lifeline, the SPCA and other charities.
From time to time the 100’s Riders feed the homeless on the streets of Pietermaritzburg.
During 2012, Blankets, computers and other forms of assistance were donated to God’s Golden Acre, a children’s home situated in Cato Ridge.
Annually, with N3TC, SAPS Vehicle Collision Unit, the Umgungundlovu Fire and Rescue and the KZN EMS, toys are distributed to children at the Edendale, Northdale and Greys’ Hospitals in Pietermaritzburg.
A new initiative was added at the end of 2012 when the 100’s Riders delivered toys and lucky packets to the children of the impoverished areas of Sweetwaters, Taylors Halt and Edendale in Pietermaritzburg.
It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
Mother Teresa
THE DECEMBER 2013 PROJECT
The Vision
A Coast to Coast (East Coast to West Coast) motorcycle journey with a purpose:
To promote and advocate road safety awareness
on a national footprint especially in relation to motorcycling and
with due regarding to the 2013 Festive season; and
to bring joy and the spirit of Christmas to communities and
commuters along the route and
to identified children’s homes:
-
To undertake an epic Bikers ride within the 100’s Riders’ fraternity and to share and enjoy the comradery and friendship of like-minded motorcycling enthusiasts;
-
To undertake the journey wearing Santa Claus Outfits;
-
To bring the joy and the spirit of Christmas to communities and commuters along the route and to identified children’s homes;
-
To participate in a national ‘spot Santa Claus’ competition;
-
To promote, advocate and practice road safety on a national footprint and along the journey route and to deliver a message to government regarding the need to enforce the wearing of high-viz jackets of bicyclist and motorcyclists;
-
To deliver a memoradum regarding the need to enforce the wearing of high-viz jackets for bicyclist and motorcyclists to an appropriate government representative in Cape Town;
-
To partner with and involve appropriate organisations, entities and personalities that share the 100’s Riders vision; and
-
To seek the blessing of all appropriate biking clubs and federations and to seek the involvement and support of clubs and federations along the route; and
Commence: Monday, 16 December (Day of Reconciliation) reaching Cape Town on Friday, 20 December.
The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.
Helen Keller
Realisation
Let your dreams be bigger than your fears, and your actions louder than your words.
Anon
In order to realise the vision set out above, we seek to partner with organisations, entities and personalities who share and wish to participate and contribute to the realisation of this vision………..
Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!
Bob Marley