Every day we read, hear or experience motorcycle accidents on our roads, some riders survive and some don’t. The proverbial “Not if, but when” is a very real fact each one of us stares in the face when we swing our leg over and head out on the road. If you ride a motorcycle, whether it is on-road or off-road, the next ride may just be a game changer for you.

In January 2016 we started reporting on Motorcycle Accidents in South Africa, simply by collecting and sharing data from EMS providers, SAPS, Arrive Alive and other online media resources – this year is no different.

The 2016 Motorcycle Accident Report (M.A.R.) – http://www.msi.org.za/motorcycle-accidents-sa-2016/

The 2017 M.A.R. is updated at the end of each month, and you will already see an increase compared to the previous report. Alarming to say the least – http://www.msi.org.za/motorcycle-accidents-2017/

The dangers are real, ever-present, and collectively we need to do something about it!

Why?
This event is not just to create motorcycle awareness; we do enough of that on our daily rides, runs, rallies and other bike events. We most certainly create the “wrong awareness” when we ride like a disrespectful twat, inconsiderate of other road users, and also when we have an accident. Some of us ride like a bunch of attention-seeking adrenalin junkies – In Traffic!

No, this ride is to create Risk Awareness to our very own – You and Me!

Now if we can influence the other road user for the greater good, with our riding manner then we are doing it right. The core purpose of this event and the MSI / Hein Jonker philosophy is to educate the motorcycle riders in this country to change their riding manner.

The majority, the other road users, is a dynamic mass and difficult to change or educate. They are extremely distracted by radio, mobile devices, other occupants, thoughts, etc., a “luxury” we choose to avoid when riding. We have to accept that and focus on educating the minority (us) to successfully reduce the risk in becoming a dreaded statistic.

We are in the business of changing the way you think, thus changing the way you ride – Ride to Live!

Call to Action
Most of us know that the month of May is Motorcycle Awareness month, with events hosted in countries such as the USA, UK, and Europe.

MSI, its members, and visionaries, hereby announce the 2017 Motorcycle Awareness Ride in South Africa. The date is set for Sunday, 14 May 2017 and will be hosted throughout South Africa on the same day. This will be an annual event hosted on the 2^nd Sunday of May each year.

It will be a coordinated effort of local riders, clubs, groups, the media, riding schools/academies, sponsors, dealers and distributors to ensure the support of every motorcycle/scooter rider in the country. Local government and other safety organisations are invited to support this initiative, as life and limb depend on it.

Each region (town or city) are encouraged to coordinate and host their own event, from departure point, times, route and end venue. Sponsors, dealers, vendors, etc. are welcome to exhibit on this day and are encouraged to make contact with the MSI office. Motorcycle clubs may coordinate within their relevant Biker Councils for the sake of communication and commitment from their members.

All riders, Private or Club/Group are requested to register on the link below.

Host the M.A.R. in your Area
If you would like to host or help organise this event, then please follow these Event Guidelines.

Please Register
All participants are required to Register Online; it’s FREE. The reason for this is to give Local Authorities, Marshalls and Road Captains these figures for logistical and planning purposes.

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About MSI
MSI-Motorcycle Safety Institute was founded in dedication to rider education, road safety, and awareness of motorcyclists. Our main goal is to educate and coach the South African motorcycle operator on a national level, focused specifically on the Urban & Freeway Rider.

We undertake to develop and share our knowledge and experience with all motorcyclists (and other road users), eagerly striving toward a safer road experience through skills development and motorcyclist awareness.

Contact MSI
For more information or to get involved, please visit the MSI website at www.msi.org.za