2k bikers to gather at Eco Park today to spread awareness

Around 2,000 bikers and super bikers from all over the state will gather in New Town on Sunday to propagate the message of Safe Drive Save Life keeping in mind the World Motorcycle Day (WMD) which is celebrated globally on June 21.

Super bikes (having bikes more than 600cc) like Harley Davidson, Ducati, Benelli, KTM, Ninja, Triumph, Hayabusa and Triumph will take part in Sunday's programme. Many bikers who are national and international record holders will take part in this programme which will be held at Eco Park.

Road accidents have become an important issue all over the country and it claims around 5 lakh lives every year. The main theme of the programme is to create awareness among bikers, both who commute on motorcycles regularly and those who go for long distance cross-country biking. There are around 100 motorcycle clubs all over Bengal and cross-country biking is the current trend among men and women bikers.

There will be a special show on safety gears like helmets, elbow and knee gears. The bikers have urged two-wheeler riders to use sneakers and shoes while driving and avoid chappals and strap sandals. The quality of helmet is very important, said Subrata Boral, veteran biker and national and international record holder. Bikers will be urged not to ride bikes without helmets.

A track has been artificially prepared to show the right technique that should be followed on muddy and slushy roads. The bikers will be taught the right speed at which motorcycles should be driven in Kolkata and what should be the right technique.

As cross country-biking is the current trend among bikers, tips will be given to them how to overcome problems that may crop up during the journey.

Kolkata was the main centre of heavy duty bikes till the 1970s. The traffic sergeants of Kolkata police used to ride Harley Davidson motorcycles with side cars. Some of these bikes are used as "phat phatis" in Old Delhi. There were powerful bikes like Norton, BSA, Indian, Matchless and BMW.

There are around 20 long distance women bikers in Bengal led by Sukanya Pal. Veteran bikers will be felicitated at the function and some of them will share their experiences.