Power bike riding, in many states across Nigeria, is a relatively new phenomenon. But most residents of Lagos will have stories to share about riders, and also the feeling that comes from being a witness to this growing fad among young and aspiring Nigerians.

For example, the envy of vehicle passengers who see riders glide through traffic while drivers seem stuck on the road forever, the admiration of pedestrians when they see riders zoom by them with something close to the speed of light, and the anger of bus drivers in Lagos who are compelled by logic and boundaries to obey traffic laws that power bike riders willfully and openly disregard.

But what people should realise is that lots of riders place maximum effort into satisfying their passions, while also riding safely as well.

This week, eXploring on ONTV channel 41, was an investigation into the kinds of trainings that power bike riders in motorcycle schools go through.

Hosted by Biodun Laaro, the show took a ride into Pro Wheels Motorcycle School, a place in Lagos where power bike owners and students are taught how to manage long-distance rides and navigate traffic, with specific emphasis on safe riding.

Speaking with the host, Busayo Kuti, the school’s coordinator, revealed that while a three-weekend training is enough to learn, a lot of riders keep coming back to learn new techniques of managing Nigerian roads.

Students in the school do not even have to own a bike before coming for the training, as the school provides training bikes, gears and the learning space for them. So either riders or adrenaline junkies, there is a place for you.

One of the problems of power bike riding in Nigeria has always been the fatalities involved, but Busayo also explained that the availability of training schools have drastically reduced the occurrences of power-bike related accidents on Nigerian roads. Riders can be taught how to perform stunts, but even the teachers recommend that their student-riders should avoid performing life-threatening stunts on the road, most especially the major ones.

Popular Nollywood actor, Bryan Okwara, a three-week student of Pro Wheels Motorcycle School, was also a guest on the show.

Chatting with Biodun, he recommended that before anyone jumps on a power bike for the cool factor and starts riding, the training is something is an important phase to start with. That way, excellently trained riders will deserve the admiration and envy they get on Nigerian roads, ride through traffic with minimal fuss and also consistently outwit that danfo driver whom, not only doesn’t care for power bike riders, but for no one at all.

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