When we ride our motorcycles, there are situations that we experience which we never forget. And I’m not talking about the ones that stick in our memories negatively. These Should be used for learning and awareness purposes.
No, I’m referring to the good moments and situations that leave us with a smile on our face the moment they happen, and every time we remember them.
In this context, the magnetic effect that motorcycles have on children can sometimes provide unforgettable moments.
It’s rare that, riding along any road or street, if there’s any children nearby, they don’t turn their head in our direction, give a vigorous wave, or point a broad smile in our direction. It’s a sudden enchantment that seems inescapable.
When this happens, I NEVER FAIL TO CORRESPOND, replying with satisfaction and ensuring that the reaction was noticed.
Even more engaging is when the bike is parked and they want to climb into the driver’s seat. First comes the desire, then the apprehension, and finally the joy of trying to get their little hands on the handles. Often, I have to sit them on the tank so they can get there.
When they’re older, if we start the engine and give them a few revs (engine rotations), it’s total ecstasy.
I did some research to try to find more substantiated explanations for this attraction phenomenon (it doesn’t happen that way with cars).
Perhaps the noise stimulus could be the “trigger” that provokes the reaction. But I found an idea in a text that I find very curious and that, in my opinion, might make sense. Because we motorcyclists wear helmets, gloves, and often suits, children associate us with the image of the superheroes they see so often in cartoons.
Whenever I’ve changed motorcycles in recent years, my nieces have been the first to climb into the driver’s seat and the passenger seat. From the age of two, to now, at 13 and 15, it’s always been that way. Who knows, maybe from now on, they’ll want to go for a ride too.
But at this age, parents often say, “Don’t even think about it, you’ll never own a motorcycle for all I care!” It becomes the forbidden fruit, and of course, it’s always the most desirable.
I remember my father, in his youth (early 1960s), had a motorcycle (a BMW R60), and he used to tell me, “The best motorcycle is worse than the worst car… don’t even think about it, you’ll never own a motorcycle for all I care!”
Fortunately, this isn’t the case these days. With all the driver assistance and safety systems we have, we sometimes have technology at our disposal that, in a car, would only be available in a top-of-the-line model. However, no system can replace wisdom, careful consideration, and common sense when driving.
These unexpected interactions are also opportunities to explain, demystify and warn future teenagers and adults about the dangers inherent in riding a motorcycle.
I understand, therefore, that we have an increased responsibility in the training and education of those who may become future motorcyclists.
As a source of spontaneous curiosity and attraction, our attitude, friendliness, and receptiveness must be in keeping with the true motorcycling spirit.
Enjoy your ride
