A Rider's Last Ride

Riding a bike is the most poignant reminder of our own mortality; each and every moment spent on the road a gamble if nothing else, augmented by the traffic conditions and the way we and the other motorists around us handle our vehicles. Reminding me that I am but a mere candle's flame, easily snuffed out without preamble. Each and every time I mount on. And it also reminds me of God's sovereignty, and how much bigger He is compared to the frail me.

Anything could happen. An accident due to the rider's own carelessness or recklessness. An accident due to other motorists' carelessness...I know of a Super 4 rider who passed away when he crashed into a car that had swerved away from another car that had crashed against a taxi performing abrupt lane change stunts. Hardly his fault, but it happened. Or perhaps a freak accident, like a stone or pebble, unleashed from a truck or flung from sticky tires and striking the rider at a vital point, causing him or her to lose control. Or even a branch, falling from a tree. Things like that are very real risks that all bikers face whenever we mount up.

And each moment spent riding puts us in touch with more bikers who are exposed to the same risks...sometimes in the hassle of our daily lives we often miss out on the point that the most important thing in our lives IS our lives, not getting there, not our right of way, not expecting other road users to behave in a certain way, not scrambling to fill our ricebowls (especially taxis).

And each death reminds us of this fact...

If only we'd wake up to the fact that has been lying before us all the time, and not 'realise' only when a price as heavy as a precious life has been paid. If only everyone realised this and allowed this realisation to galvanise them into action, the road would be a much safer, better place to be. No one would cut lanes or squeeze off other motorists, because they realise that lives are at stake here. No one would speed excessively and tailgate. No one would cut another motorist off. Because being human themselves, they understand the debilitating pain that comes along with the loss of a life held dear to themselves. The Traffic Police division could even be scrapped.

But the sad truth is, people often overlook the importance of life in favour of other more trival priorities they may care to make when out on the road. And they allow their anger and impatience to seep out, perpetuating acts that, in any other context besides the road, would qualify for many many offences listed in the Penal Code.

Aggressive driving and tailgating, or showing certain hand gestures could constitute the offence of Assault or Criminal Intimidation.

Actually hitting someone could qualify for Criminal Force or Volunteerily Causing Hurt with Dangerous Means; a car IS a powerful weapon.

Killing someone on the road SHOULD be defined as MURDER. All road users are required to acquire licenses, and holding one means the government has vested us with the permission to use the road, as well as the responsibility to use it wisely. Flaunting such responsibility, knowing that you could well take a life...how could any other sentence be appropriate? You are bloody doing something you KNOW could kill someone. It's not a bloody accident...you're a murderer. Do something wrong? Dare to face the fucking consequences like a man. You dared to do it? Now face the music. Not like some snivelling cowards like those who knocked me down, caused me indescribable pain and inconvenience, and then insisted I was at fault. Like hello? Would I be so stupid to throw myself into the possibility of such injuries, knowing how vulnerable I am as a biker?

And so saying, I do hope the dickless twirp who murdered the lady rider gets hauled to court and hanged for his actions. And however pointless, I'd like to extend my sincere condolences to both Grace and Benny's familys. Both unknown to me. But both bound to me by our similiar passion. You two enjoy your last ride Home, you hear me?


p.s. Mum, this one's for you too. I hear your concerns and your fears. And I love you :)
Riding hard, fast, safely AND taking a few corners.