Our Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, is an ardent or passionate motor cyclist. And he has been for many years now.
It therefore seemed apt for Mr Koya to lead the bikers in discussions with the Land Transport Authority the past Saturday for the Ride for Safety Event.
One of the points raised by Mr Koya was the need for driving schools to teach those wanting to ride motorcycles.
“Unlike driving schools for vehicle drivers, there are no specialised driving schools for individuals who want to own motorcycles,” he said.
“Something needs to be done about this. People are left to learn on their own which is a major risk because they cannot master all the skills to ride.
“Motorcycles are powerful machines so in order to ride properly and safely, it is important riding schools are up and running so people can learn properly.”

What it takes to ride?
No everyone wants to ride a motorcycle. One with a lot of passion would only want to invest in this.
And this is exactly what Mr Koya believes in as well.
“A person riding a motorcycle is passionate about what he does and it is essentially a form of exercise,” he said.
“You use your left hand, your right hand, left foot, right foot, left eye and right eye, your ears and you process all that in your head within a matter of milliseconds to make decisions.”

Concerns
Mr Koya said one of the biggest concerns the motorcyclists have is that people ignore those on motorcycles.
“I have on occasions been riding in a group. People just cut in front of us saying its just a motorcycle,” he said.
“It’s not just a motorcycle – it is probably 10 times more powerful than a motor vehicle.
“Awareness is not just about riding but it is about telling those people on the road that motorcyclists do matter.”

Launch
The Motorcycle and Safety Awareness launch the past Saturday was very special to Mr Koya given his passion for motorcycles.
“I understand the safety that is required when riding a motorcycle and it is paramount,” he said.
“I say it with conviction because of the increasing road fatalities in Fiji today. The current death toll stands at 55 which is an alarming number.
“There is gross disregard for road rules by drivers and pedestrians alike. As a motorcyclist, we bear the brunt of that risk when we ride. Lives are being lost where it shouldn’t. Families suffer.
“We need to do something about this epidemic. As LTA takes this campaign around the country, you will hear messages such as look twice for motorcyclists, or watch out for motor cyclists and many others.”
Mr Koya stressed that although motorcyclists make up a small number on our roads it is absolutely critical nevertheless that there is a sense of awareness around the country about riders.
“A licensed motorcyclist – as I am – has as much right as any other driver to be on the road,” he said.