The President of Bikers with Attitude and Determination (B.A.D), Kayode Kosile-Palmer, says the association remains committed to promoting responsible motorcycling, road safety, tourism and humanitarian service across Nigeria.
Kosile-Palmer said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while speaking on the activities, achievements and plans of the association on Thursday in Lagos.
He said B.A.D was founded on June 23, 2016, and had grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected superbike riding communities.
According to him, the association started with an inaugural ride of more than 50 bikers in Lagos State and has expanded to nearly 200 registered members from different professions.
He said they share a passion for motorcycles, friendship, adventure and community service.
He said about half of the association’s members now live in the diaspora, with active members in the U.S. Canada and the United Kingdom.
Kosile-Palmer said the association was created to change the wrong perception many people have about motorcycle riders.
“Our goal is to show that bikers are responsible citizens, successful professionals and people who are committed to making positive contributions to society.
“We achieve this through organised programmes, public engagement and activities that promote safety, unity and service while celebrating the freedom that comes with riding motorcycles.”
The president said the association also works to build stronger relationships between bikers and the public.
He said its objectives include promoting peaceful relationships between motorcycle riders and other road users, partnering with organisations on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
Speaking on the association’s programmes, Kosile-Palmer said BG Cares remained its major humanitarian project.
He said the initiative supports vulnerable and underserved communities through donations, outreach programmes and partnerships with charitable organisations and advocacy groups.
According to him, the project provides relief to people in need while raising awareness on important social issues affecting disadvantaged communities.
He said that Tourism on Two Wheels is an initiative designed to encourage motorcycle riders to explore Nigeria, the West African coastline and other parts of Africa.
Kosile-Palmer said the programme organised rides to rural communities, historic sites and emerging tourist destinations while also promoting domestic tourism and showcasing Africa’s rich culture and economic opportunities.
He said the association also organises the Automatch Championship, an annual five-a-side football competition involving motorcycle and automobile clubs across Nigeria.
According to him, the tournament held at leading astroturf facilities in Lagos, promotes healthy competition, sportsmanship, networking and friendship among members of the automotive community.
He described Jollof & Palmie as Nigeria’s biggest motorcycle lifestyle festival.
The president said the event attracts more than 12,000 participants every year, including motorcycle riders, families, corporate organisations and members of the public.
“The festival features live entertainment, games, competitions, exhibitions and African food.
“It has also become one of the biggest lifestyle events in the country and is helping to bring riders and non-riders together.
“In August, we will celebrate the 10th edition of Jollof & Palmie, and we are looking forward to another memorable event.”
Kosile-Palmer also highlighted some of the major challenges facing motorcycle riders in Nigeria.
He said road safety remained a major concern because many motorists lacked proper knowledge of road etiquette, lane discipline, use of indicators and safe driving around motorcycles.
“As a result, many motorcycle accidents happen because of the negligence of other road users rather than the riders themselves.”
He added that many enforcement officers often failed to distinguish between privately owned motorcycles and commercial motorcycles.
According to him, members of the association regularly educate relevant authorities on the differences, while advocating fair and informed enforcement of traffic regulations.
The president also expressed concern over poor road infrastructure, saying bad roads increase accident risks and lead to higher maintenance costs for motorcycles.
He said that rising fuel prices, increasing maintenance costs and the high cost of genuine spare parts had affected the ability of many members to participate regularly in touring activities and community programmes.
Kosile-Palmer said motorcycling meant much more than recreation for many members.
He described it as a source of freedom, relaxation, friendship and personal fulfilment that also helps people cope with the pressures of daily life.
He said over the past 10 years, the association had built a strong community where professionals from different backgrounds come together through a shared passion for riding and service.
He said through organised rides, charity work, tourism promotion and community engagement, B.A.D will continue to positively impact lives while promoting responsible motorcycling in Nigeria and beyond.
“As we look to the future, we remain committed to changing the way people see motorcycle culture, inspiring the next generation of riders.
“It also shows that motorcycles can be used to promote unity, social development and national progress.”
