- The Nobs MCC bikers organised a “Think Bike” campaign at the N1 Bellville off-ramp to promote motorcycle safety and raise awareness among motorists.
- The campaign, supported by the Motorcycle Association of the Western Cape (MAWC), aimed to educate drivers on sharing the road with bikers and the importance of vigilance.
- The event highlighted safety protocols for both bikers and motorists to prevent accidents and promote road safety.
“Think Bike”, a reminder and awareness campaign, was championed on the N1 Bellville off-ramp by an Oakdale band of bikers, Nobs MCC, that helped to voice the call by the Motorcycle Association of the Western Cape (MAWC) on Saturday 29 June.
“This motorcycle safety awareness campaign at the intersection of the N1 and Durban Road was aimed at motorists to ‘think bike’, share the road and be vigilant for those of us on two wheels,” Nobs’ public relations officer Benita Kannemeyer shared with TygerBurger.
Bikers and their families picketed on the open area opposite MKem 24-hours pharmacy.
Several clubs in and around Cape Town joined to share the message.
Kannemeyer said their focus was to educate motorists that bikers are allowed to use the lane split “and we intend to do so safely”.
“We also focus on educating bikers around sharing the road equally: Just because we are faster doesn’t mean we can’t be courteous and offer a motorist a gap in traffic.”
They also try their level best to educate the abundance of delivery bike riders too.
“As they make up 80% of bikes on our roads, we encourage and advise that they need to wear the appropriate gear while riding to ensure their own safety.”
Naturally, motorists are equally responsible for ensuring overall safety by consciously checking their mirrors and blind spots while in traffic to ensure it’s clear to pass when changing lanes or making a turnoff.
“While we can’t speak for all bikers, when it comes to us and those close to us, we utilise a ‘think bike’ mindset, as well as look out for motorists as we all should share the road and do so in a safe manner.
- Stay off your cellphone as this plays a major role and has caused countless accidents involving motorcyclists.
- Be aware that when you are in any kind of stillstanding traffic to not let passengers out of your vehicle as this could create an extremely dangerous situation for passing motorcyclists.
- Triple check blind spots and always indicate before changing lanes.
- Share the road and be mindful and minimise any distraction like phone calls and speeding.
As a part of MAWC’s efforts, their safety awareness campaign highlights the importance of always being aware on the roads in that reasoning like “ ‘I didn’t see him/her’ is no excuse”.
According to their flyer: “More and more people are looking at the motorcycle as an alternative means of transport due to increase in fuel prices and traffic congestion on our roads. As such, the number of motorcycles on our roads has increased, but so too unfortunately has the number of accidents involving motorcycles.”
It also noted a leading cause of accidents that happen when bikers share the roads and perform “lane splitting” or “filtering”. This refers to a process of motorcyclers riding between lanes of stopped or slower traffic.
“Lane splitting is not illegal if done in a safe and prudent manner. Because of this practice, it is important for motorists to be aware and keep a lookout for motorcyclists at all times.”
About Nobs MCC
Nobs MCC was established in 2006 and is based in Oakdale, Bellville.
“We are a group of like-minded individuals who love biking and giving back to the community. We do a large number of charity events, sponsorships and are always willing to assist where we can make a positive difference.
“We are also family oriented and we are always open to new prospective members,” Kannemeyer added.
Nobs MCC will host a big rally annually called “The Gargoyle Rally’’ coming up on the first weekend in August, Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August, taking place at Kleinplasie in Worcester. “All details for our upcoming rally, runs and charity events can be found on our social media platforms. Readers are urged to please go like and follow us for regular updates.”
