Bikers meet to focus on respect

Big or small, the road is for all.

This, in a nutshell, is what the country’s motorcycle riders will try to think about and promote when they meet for a week-long national convention at The Fort in Taguig and in Subic Bay, Zambales come April.

Conrado "Nonoy" Cabrera, president of the National Motorcycle Federation, said their main aim for this year is to promote respect among motorists, regardless of the vehicle they use.

"There should be mutual respect among road users, whether they are drivers of four-wheeled vehicles or of motorcycles," Cabrera said. "This mutual respect is what we want to promote during the convention."

The convention, which is held alternately in Luzon, the Visayas and in Mindanao, is now in its ninth year. Last year, it was held in Davao City and next year it will be held in Cebu.

Local motorcycle groups take turns in hosting the event. This year, it will be the Luzon Motorcycle Federation’s turn to be on top of the preparations.

Cabrera said part of the convention’s agenda for this year is to call for a stricter implementation of the ordinances requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.

He noted that safety should be the paramount concern of every motorcycle rider and the wearing of a helmet and other protective gears should be encouraged, if not completely required.

"We hope to call on the government to strictly require riders to wear helmets," he said.

Another major part of this year’s motorcycle convention is the promotion of the country for motorcycle tourism.

Cabrera and other presidents of various motorcycle clubs recently finished the President Run, a gruelling 19-day ride from Manila to Aparri then down to General Santos City. The ride aims to show that motorcycle riding is safe in all parts of the country.

"We want to show people that motorcycling in the Philippines is perfectly safe. We even went to Mindanao to prove that the region, despite the alarming news reports, is peaceful and safe," he said.

The national convention will be held side by side the first Bike Week, a gathering of thousands of bikers, to be held from April 24 to 30.

Sponsored by BMW Motorcycles and Shell Advance lubricants, the Bike Week promises to be a time of non-stop fun and offers a chance for bikers to build camaraderie and share common passion and concerns.

James Raterta, vice president of Mad Dogs Motorcycle Club, the lead organization in charge of preparing for the Bike Week, said hundreds of booths will be open for lease to anyone or any company interested in selling wares or offer services during the week-long event.

He revealed that foreign delegates from 13 countries will be coming to participate.

"This is a perfect time not only to promote motorcycles but promote the Philippines and our products," he said.

For more information, call JACC Events at 842-2665 or Tito Silvestre, head of the Bike Week’s PR committee, at 0917-791-2019, 0917-812-0082 or landline 924-7834.