Vigan, Ilocos Sur –  The Provincial Government of Vigan,  in  partnership with Honda Philippines,  Inc. and  the Guanzon  Group --  gathered close to two hundred (200) motorcycle  club members and enthusiasts for a full weekend of riding  safety education and fun.

 
The Riding Safety Caravan opened with theory input and practical riding instructions, which emphasized key items crucial to the motorcycle-riding Viguenos.  These include donning of proper riding gears,  applying riding safety techniques and observance of proper behavior when group riding.    

 
Regardless of motorcycle size,  make or brands,  Group Riding has become a very popular activity among motorcycle clubs in the North.    To apply their newly-acquired learning,  the participants trooped  from Vigan down to the town of Santa and back -- covering a distance of 40 kilometers.  From that experience,  the riders realized that using hand signals and assuming staggered  position are essential to a safer ride when traveling in groups.

 
“ Vigan saw the upsurge of motorcycle users in the recent years,  which likewise saw the sudden rise of motorcycle accidents in Vigan and nearby towns.  We deem it the responsibility of the Provincial Government to provide our constituents access to rider training.  We are glad that Honda provides this kind of service, “  remarked Tirso Savellano,  Asst. Executive Secretary to Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Savellano.

 
Culminating the 2-day event is a Fun Competition,  where skills on throttle control,  braking and balancing took the center stage.  Exercises included pylon slalom,  narrow plank,  low speed control and low-speed zigzag.  The competition was designed to let the riders appreciate the importance of advanced scanning and correct riding posture in achieving maximum control of the motorcycle.

 
Witnessing a motorcycle rider training of this kind for the first time,  a member-participant from the Luzon Motorcyclists Federation commented,   “ This is a notable activity of the Provincial Government,  Honda and Guanzon.  The locals have begun to recognize the motorcycle as the most efficient and convenient alternative to public transportation.  Hence,  training of this kind -- no matter how basic -- will be very much appreciated.  We hope to be able to do this again;  but this time, for tricycle drivers as part of the Federation’s social advocacy efforts.”

 
The Riding Safety Caravan was organized by the newly-established Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC).  The Center will open its world-class training facility in Paranaque City in March 2008,  where basic driving and advanced courses for individuals and fleet companies form part of the initial program line-up.

 
“ Though  Honda Safety Driving Center will be based in Metro Manila,  it can dispatch instructors anywhere in the Philippines – when requested.  We deem it our obligation to educate as many drivers as possible thru the help of our dealership network like Guanzon and the LGUs.  The Center opens itself to partnerships with the members of the government and private sectors who are interested in reducing traffic accidents or improving traffic situation in their localities, “  committed Kazuhiko Ikezoe,  President of Honda Safety Driving Center and President and GM of Honda Philippines,  Inc.

 
The Riding Safety Caravan is conceptualized to proactively address the effects of motorcycle usage’s phenomenal growth in the Philippines.  The program effectively integrates classroom and practical riding sessions,  group riding activity and fun competition with the objective of providing trainees with the unique approach of learning and appreciating riding safety.

For inquiries,  please visit or call the nearest Honda Dealership;  or HSDC may be reached at tel. no. 857-7200 ext. 494 to 496. HSDC

Participants in the Fun Ride assume staggered position on a clear 2-way
lane for proper spacing and ease of reading hand signals.



A participant gear-up for a strategic approach into the low-speed zigzag
course - where proper throttle control,  braking and proper riding posture
are key to a good balance.

“ Building A Community of Safe Road Users.“