Inspite of the morning downpour on September 30, hundreds of motorcycle riders belonging to several Caloocan clubs trooped down to Barangay Bagumbong to join Safe T Ryders’ 5th Club Meet Up.

The 5th edition was hosted and organized by BRAD Riders Club led by Jonell Miguel (nickname Migs) and Barangay Kagawad Atty. Joel Clamor.   “With the growing number of motorcycles riders in our area, we are honoured to welcome the road safety team of Safe T Ryders for an afternoon of learning safety tips,” said Atty. Clamor.

The road safety team is composed of  Alberto Suansing, the former LTO Chief and now Secretary General of Phil Global Road Safety Partnership, Love-love Tioseco, celebrity motorcycle race driver and television personality, and Arnel Doria, founder of Safe T Ryders Training Center.

“Motorcycles helmets with ICC stickers are legitimate and legal.  Any enforcer who will ask for other requirements is simply after “kotong”,” said Suansing on the topic of ICC stickers.  On Suansing’s invitation, DTI office of Atty. Pete Mendoza sent a team of DTI personnel to inspect motorcycle helmets and install ICC stickers at the 5th Club Meet Up.  Hundred of helmets from the participants, including that of Ms. Love-love Tioseco were given ICC stickers.  “ICC stickers are number coded to differentiate between helmets and other commodities like electrical tapes.  Enforcers will know which stickers are for helmets, and there is stiff penalty for using wrong ICC sticker,” warned Suansing.

Technicians from Prestone were also on hand to test brake fluids of motorcycles.  Using a handy tool, they showed to the participants that brake fluid contaminated with water by as much as 2% will have lower boiling point, resulting to overheating of the brake system, and eventual brake failure.  “The brake system is one of the most important safety feature of a motorcycle.  Once it fails, it could mean life or death to the rider,” warned Dan Santiago of Prestone.   As a goodwill, each participant was given a bottle of free brake fluid that they can use to top up or replace after they inspect their brake system. 

Present at the Club Meet Up were members from BRAD Riders, Sniper MX Riders Club, COBRA Riders, North Riders Club, Arouser Elite, Rouser Club of the Philippines, Maldhita Riders, Bats Riders and solo riders from MRO and MRC.

The number of motorcycle users is growing in double digits.   Consequently, the cases of road crashes involving motorcycles are also growing in double digits.

Safe-T-Ryders is conducting a series of Bikers Club Meet-Ups to promote greater awareness among public in general, and motorcycle riders in particular.  The goal is to engage organized bikers to take active part in the promotion of road safety and reduction of road mishaps.  Through the network of motorcycle clubs, the road safety campaign is expected to reach as many riders as possible in spreading the mindset of road safety.

Arnel Doria of Safe T Ryders conducted a short discussion on the effects of alcohol when riding.  This was followed by a lively demonstration of mild and strong intoxication using the “Fatal Vision” goggles.  Club members took turns trying out the goggles and doing several exercises to test their ability to carry out simple tasks like walking along a straight line and catching a ball.

The goggles simulate the loss of eye-and-muscle coordination due to  high BAC (blood alcohol concentration) to emphasize the very damaging effects of riding under the influence of alcohol, and its severe consequences resulting in serious injuries and even death.  With the growing number of road crashes resulting from riding under the influence of alcohol, Safe-T-Ryders is mounting a campaign against riding motorbikes after taking alcohol.

According to Safe T Ryders founder Arnel Doria who was the head of marketing for a leading car brand, "The Club Meet-Up program is part of our advocacy to engage bikers club members in the active campaign to multiply the number of responsible and disciplined bikers.  This will be a continuing program for Safe-T-Ryders Training Center and we invite corporate partners to join us in this road safety advocacy."

Club Meet Up is regularly supported by Gadgets Magazine and PGRSP, together with the official media partners: Motoring Today (Solar Sports), Stoplight TV, Auto Review (PTV4) and Inside Motoring (DZRJ).  The Caloocan leg is sponsored by Prestone, and the Barangay Government Unit of Bagumbong, represented by Atty. Joel Clamor.

Safe-T-Ryders Training Center believes that a sound knowledge base as well as strong riding skills result in safer road users and enhance the enjoyment of motorcycle riders.

The Club Meet-Up is open to bike club members as well as individual riders. Attendance is free of charge to qualified participants.   For interested parties and/or riders clubs who would like to host the meet up, please contact Safe T Ryders (Tel No. 208-8035 / Mobile: 0932-872-3389).  Check for updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/safetryders).