‘Safe Riding’ Initiative on Campus

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has taken action in Izmir, where nearly 3,000 motorcycle accidents have occurred since 2023, to raise awareness about safe riding. Hosting well-known figures from the motorcycle community on campus, the University set an example of awareness by organizing a ‘riding theory’ training session for motorcycles, whose use is steadily increasing among young people.

Organized as part of the ‘Healthy Campus’ events with the support of the IUE Riders Motorcycle Club, the program was held in two separate sessions. First, Utku Akçay, an instructor from Zafer Akçay Academy, met with students and delivered the theoretical training. The program attracted significant interest, and Akçay answered students’ questions, explaining in detail the key points to consider while riding a motorcycle and the precautions necessary to avoid accidents.

PANEL FOLLOWING THE TRAINING

After the theoretical training, a comprehensive panel on safe riding was held. Moderated by IUE Sports Coordinator Murat Palalı, the panel featured Utku Akçay, M. Kurtuluş Bedi, Research Assistant at the Department of Psychology, Middle East Technical University (METU) and a Traffic and Transportation Psychology Specialist, and Sezai Çelikbilek, a Yunus (motorcycle police) instructor from the Izmir Provincial Police Department’s Motorcycle Police Units. Zafer Akçay also attended the event as a guest.

Çelikbilek, who has successfully practiced his profession for 27 years, stated that 65 percent of injury- or fatal-accidents in Izmir involve motorcyclists. Noting that one out of every four vehicles in Izmir is a motorcycle, he emphasized that the number of motorcycle accidents has increased over the past three to four years. “The main causes of these accidents are failure to maintain a safe following distance, improper lane changes, and violations of speed limits. We must pay close attention to these. In addition, we should increase our visibility while on a motorcycle. When necessary, we should wear reflective jackets. If we are upset or not feeling well, we should not ride that day,” he said. Çelikbilek also added that the rate of helmet use among motorcyclists in Izmir is around 95 percent and reminded participants that accidents can be prevented if traffic rules are followed.

“CONTROL YOUR ANGER”

Delivering important messages to young people, Utku Akçay said, “We must always stay mentally alert and ride with full concentration. Unfortunately, many of us do not know the meanings of traffic signs. We need to improve ourselves in this area. We should not focus only on the vehicle in front of us; our eyes should look further ahead, and we must maintain environmental awareness. Fear and panic on a motorcycle are very dangerous. If we are afraid, even taking a turn becomes difficult. The way to overcome this is through knowledge and practice. We may encounter challenging situations in traffic. No matter what happens, we must control our anger and not let it guide us. Anger increases the likelihood of making mistakes, and remember, even if you are a good rider, a motorcycle never forgives mistakes.”

“BEING SAFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BEING RIGHT”

Stating that split-second decisions while riding can lead to accidents or conflicts, Traffic and Transportation Psychology Specialist M. Kurtuluş Bedi said, “In traffic, a vehicle may cut you off, or someone may say something to you. However, remember that being safe is more important than being right. No one is invisible in traffic. If there is malicious behavior, legal provisions can come into effect. Motorcycle riders should always be anticipatory and try to foresee potential situations.”