Approximately 40 bikers attended the latest motorcycle workshop in the series sponsored by Sandals Resorts International and the Back to Basics Motorcycle Safety Team on Sunday at Negril Hills Golf Club.

The workshop involved education in the proper use of the road and motor vehicle operation. It was also used to share the current, alarming motorcycle fatalities statistics which show that motorcyclists account for 30 per cent of the 56 people killed in 54 fatal crashes since the start of this year.

“Our bikers need to know the ugly truth about what happens when the rules of the road and basic safety are ignored,” said Back to Basics workshop facilitator Tarik Kiddoe. “Without the harsh reality, the lessons we are imparting tend to fall on deaf ears.”

A team from the Island Traffic Authority was also there to assist the cyclists in regularising their road licences. The team explained the necessary requirements for cyclists to become properly certified road users.

Workshop participants were also informed that Sandals Resorts has agreed to sponsor helmets for all riders who complete the training and obtain their road licence.

The response was overwhelming, with one rider actually composing a song on the spot about the timely and much-needed intervention.

Kiddoe believes that providing the helmets will help save lives. “The fact is, many cyclists don’t wear helmets, even when they own them. However, this intervention is part of a cultural revolution that we are trying to spark, and we think this is where the change begins,” he said.

The workshops are expected to continue throughout the year across the most affected parishes, with a separate intervention planned for various high schools.