The huge proliferation of delivery riders in the past three years has prompted a backlash from other road users, who are quick to criticise the state of the bikes they ride and the skills (or lack thereof) of the riders themselves.
Some of the criticism is justified but what gets lost amongst it all is a recognition of the service these riders provide for those of us too lazy to get off our arses to pick up our groceries or take away food, especially when we look out of the window and see the rain tipping down.
When that happens, those riders whom we are all too quick to criticise step up to the plate and deliver our food, sometimes in the most appalling weather conditions, often without the benefit of the right riding gear to at least keep them warm or dry.
There is one bike shop in Johannesburg that has consistently championed the delivery rider through various initiatives aimed at keeping the riders and their machines as safe as possible on the road and, if the attendance at the latest event was anything to go by, it is greatly appreciated.
Biker’s Warehouse in North Riding, run by a fantastic team headed by Mike and Kerry Puzey, opened its doors to the delivery rider community on Monday 11th December as a way of continuing that support.
Over 360 registered delivery riders arrived under a decidedly inclement sky to tuck into refreshments and be entertained by SA’s leading stunt rider, Brian Capper. Motul South Africa, which has been a long-time supporter of the BW initiative, gifted each rider a litre of Motul oil – a not inconsiderable and generous offer.
All riders were encouraged to put their names into a hat for a prize draw. There were so many prizes that virtually none of the attendees went away empty-handed: there were 50 brand new helmets, tyres, cleaning products and all manner of other prizes, not least of which was the main prize: a brand new Honda Ace 125 scooter, jointly donated by Honda South Africa and Biker’s Warehouse.
Between Biker’s Warehouse, Motul South Africa, Honda South Africa, and Bikewise, the delivery riders of Gauteng have an important support mechanism, helping them keep their machines and themselves safe and ensuring that the service they offer – that has quickly become an integral part of the retail landscape of South Africa – continues to make our lives that little bit easier.
In addition to this awesome initiative, walking into the Biker’s Warehouse showroom will now present itself with some new niceties thanks to a micro revamp. The atmosphere of the store has stepped up once again and presents itself, not only as a one-stop shop but as a premium brand holding. Good lighting, spaced-out products, and in typical Biker’s Warehouse fashion, ample products and motorcycles to wet the tastebuds of a multitude of clientele.
So, if you are ever in the area visit Biker’s Warehouse for all your biking needs…
