Riding for a cause
Bikes are fun and if it’s a super bike, then the fun is doubled. But riding a super bike comes with the responsibility of being safe.
In an effort to drive home the message of Drive Don’t Die campaign, Annika Talwar of The Only Network recently hosted an event at the DoubleTree by Hilton, where over 60 super bikers gathered. A three-fold event, celebrating Delhi’s centenary as the capital of India, the advent of the biggest international motor sporting calendar events to take place in the country and launch of the Drive Don’t Die campaign. Exotic, heart-throbbing mean machines including Ducatis, Hayabusas, Harleys and Yamahas heated Delhi roads before reaching Mayur Vihar for the first ever rendezvous with super bikes.
Thirty-two-year-old Annika stresses this isn’t a publicity gimmick but a sincere effort to drive home the message. “Our economy is doing well, and there are several automotive companies trying to make its mark here. People have the money and resources to spend lavishly, but many don’t know how to ride these super bikes and cars. The recent sports car accident near India Gate is a proof of what I want to say. The driver wasn’t drunk I believe and he crashed while negotiating a turn at 180 km ph. In the West, there are academies that train how to ride such cars and bikes. Sadly, we have none in the country. Just like you wouldn’t ride a horse without getting trained first, it’s the same with these vehicles too.”
So it’s not a wise move to merely ape your favourite stars like John Abraham, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s choice of bikes. One wrong move can prove to be dangerous. Annika adds, “Learn to respect the machine, you can’t ride it the way you want. We have the moto-sporting track now, but it’s equally important to follow traffic rules and learn some driving etiquette as well. The campaign Drive Don’t Die is driven by Deepak Kapoor and the event also saw participation of members of the group GODS (Group of Delhi’s Superbikers). These bikers interacted with the audience at Khan Market and stressed the importance of wearing gears while riding.”
Annika intends to involve members of government, society and youth in future. “It’s about time we take matters in our hands. These cars and bikes can prove to be dangerous if not handled in the right manner. One can’t be over-confident but needs to be mature and well-trained.”
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