Bike Rally Hopes to Make Motorcycle Helmets Less Socially Stigmatized

It is very common to have a fantasy about riding on a motorcycle, whether you are actually driving it or riding on the back of one. Motorcycles give you an experience that is somewhat different than being in a car or truck, since you are actively interacting with the environment when you are on a motorcycle. This can be a very thrilling and fulfilling experience, but the truth is that it can also be much more dangerous than being in a car or truck as well. You do not get nearly as much protection on a motorcycle.

There are many places where you want might want to look for a motorcycle. You might want to try to find a good deal online, or you might actually want to go to a powersports dealership. Whether you want a brand new motorcycle or are more interested in affordable used motorcycles, however, it is important that you always put safety first. One thing that you always need to remember to do is wear a motorcycle helmet whenever you are on your motorcycle. It would also be a good idea to take an approved motorcycle safety course, which in some cases may be a 3 wheel motorcycle safety course.

Despite being able to reduce the risk of fatality in the event of a crash by one-third, a startling amount of motorcyclists in India don’t wear helmets largely because they’re not cool. Now, the traffic department of Pune, India has enlisted the help of young motorcyclists for a special rally with the intention of trying to make helmets cooler and more socially acceptable.

Over 100 traffic constables and 100 members of the Pune Bikers group will take part in the special helmet awareness rally that will visit colleges all around the city to educate students on the importance of wearing a helmet.

“The total duration of the awareness drive will be two hours, and we will target the youth in popular colleges. It is essential to make youngsters understand the importance of using a helmet while riding a two-wheeler,” said assistant commissioner of police Rajendra Joshi.

“In order to ensure that the drive is effective, we have joined hands with the bikers, who are young and can spread the message more effectively,” added Joshi. “As they are professional riders, they can speak about how a helmet can actually save lives in accidents.”

While the rally may serve as an effective way of lifting the social stigma from helmets, tougher helmet laws coupled with stronger law enforcement efforts may prove more effective. Studies have shown that laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets have effectively reduced the number of motorcycle fatalities.

“Riders’ opinions about wearing helmets have changed drastically over the last 10-15 years,” says Mike Eichhorne, Owner of Chesapeake Cycles in Annapolis, MD. “When helmet laws first became widespread, most riders rejected the notion of wearing a helmet because helmets went against the basic premise of freedom on the open road. However, in recent years, we’ve seen helmets become an expression of style and respect for rider safety.”

For example, Louisiana once repealed and then re-adopted a helmet law. There were about 30% fewer motorcycle fatalities in the first year that the law was reinstated, showing the efficacy of such laws.

“Helmets act like cushions during accidents. More than 98 per cent of the time, a helmet saves the rider from any kind of head injury,” said Sangram Devkar, president of the Pune Bikers group. “The youth should realise the importance of wearing helmets, and not see it as a burden on their head.”