IT IS really sad to realise the way and rate at which we lose our fellow black bikers to accidents.

IT IS really sad to realise the way and rate at which we lose our fellow black bikers to accidents.

It is only recently that the focus shifted to the Sopranos since they lost one of their members, the comedian Mandla "Bongo" Thabethe, and sadly on their way back from his burial they lost another member Tabodi "Tasman" Sathekge.

This was also experienced some time ago by members of Tigers in the Vaal when they lost one of their members at a gathering due to an accident. The sadness was also experienced and felt by the Kagiso riders when they lost a member immediately after the burial of another member who also died due to an accident.

The experience was also felt in Soweto were several riders were also buried not long ago.

I just want to appeal to our communities not to fear and hate biking (motorcycles) but acknowledge that accidents happen all over, anywhere, and regardless of the type and means of transport one uses.

The most important thing for aspiring riders is to get proper riding skills that are mostly offered through dealers since they have contacts and provide information on opportunities for safe and defensive riding.

Subscribing to bike magazines also helps with tips on how to handle a bike during unforeseen incidents and hazards that one might be faced with as a rider.

Vicky Tlhatlha, Vereeniging