5 days ago
Lowveld training centre gears up bikers for safer rides
The Lowveld is known for its scenic motorbike routes, particularly in the Sabie area and along the Long Tom Pass – a road that has proven deadly for some reckless bikers.
Since its establishment in 2023, Lowveld Motorcycle Training CC has focused on equipping bikers with the skills needed to ride safely and remain aware of their surroundings.
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The organisation's two founders, Johan du Plessis and Francois Niehof, launched the training centre with a mission to reduce the number of devastating motorcycle accidents in and around the Lowveld.
'You can get a bike learner's permit at the age of 16 and ride a bike with a 125CC engine without ever doing a riding test, which is not safe at all,' Du Plessis said. Learners can ride for a full year on this permit – a major contributing factor to bike accidents in South Africa.
'To ride a motorbike you need to possess certain skills, like good balance and hand-eye co-ordination. If you don't have these skills you shouldn't be riding,' he explained.
Among other things, they teach bikers basic safety principles, such as wearing proper protective clothing and using suitable equipment.
'We dress for the slide, not the ride,' Du Plessis added.
Other training areas they focus on are carrying a passenger, riding in a group, and how to safely execute an emergency brake or turn.
Du Plessis also believes in teaching road awareness from a young age. 'Look twice for bikes,' he tells schoolchildren, aiming to instil safe habits early. The team has delivered voluntary talks at schools such as Hoërskool Bergvlam and Lowveld High to educate students about bike safety.
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They recently provided training for 78 Checkers Sixty60 drivers from Mbombela, Hazyview and White River. The focus was on teaching safe riding techniques and testing to ensure they are fit to ride. Checkers has confirmed that since starting the training in May 2025, there have been no accidents involving their riders.
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