MOTORCYCLING MEANS RESPONSIBLE DRIVING AND UNCONDITIONAL RESPECT OF THE RULES
This year, for the tenth time in the organization of motorcycle club “Night Wolves” starting from August 26th up to 28th the traditional international Motofest will be held in the Kale fortress. On the eve of the festival, exclusively for “Glass Full”, we talked with Lenin Jovanovski, passionate biker, husband and father of four children and president of the motorcycle club “Night Wolves”. He says his love of motorcycles is in the genes inherited from his father, a former member of the motorcycle police unit. He bought his first bike at the age of 25 and since then he lives a life on two wheels, and his mission is socially responsible action with special emphasis on road safety and responsible alcohol consumption.
This year you mark 10 years since the establishment of the motorcycle club “Night Wolves”. First of all, congratulations on the anniversary !! Although probably there is no one who has not heard of “Night Wolves” briefly, for the readers of “Glass Full”, who are the “wolves” and what is the purpose of the existence of the club?
The idea of ”Night Wolves” was born 12-13 years ago when a group of bikers from Macedonia went to visit the Russian club “Night Wolves”. After 2-3 years of intensive friendship and cooperation, we established our bike club. But “Night Wolves” is not just a club, its a larger brotherhood of people who love their country, respect its traditional values and consider its sustainable development. We promote mutual cooperation and assistance among the members of the club, but also outside of it, within the community. Our goal is to change peoples’ perception about the motor bikers, to recognize us as socially responsible, rather than to perceive us in a negative context. Since the establishment until today, the Motorcycle Club is recognized through its responsible activities because our members are often present at events that send messages to humanity. We build this for years and every day we try to improve ourselves. Thus we aren’t only following our paths, but we create paths to be followed by others.
From where the love of motorbikes comes from?
I have inherited the love for motor bikes from my father, who was a member of the motorcycle police unit. Since childhood I dreamed of a motor bike, but I needed a lot of time, effort and sacrifice so I can afford the first one. It helped me to become fully aware of the responsibility that I have as a motor biker in the traffic. My appeal to all young and future bikers is not to give up from their dreams, but to realize that biking is not revving, drifting and high speeds but careful and responsible driving and unconditional respect for the rules.
It’s commonly said that driving motor bikes is a special feeling. What about you is it a hobby or lifestyle?
Driving motor is a special dimension and feel that can not be easily described in words. I often compare it to making love 🙂 . Having in mind the commitment, driving motor bike is definitely an active lifestyle. But our members are people who manage to make a balance between the biking and their families and people who cherish family values. You know, the support of the family is very important. We have their support since our wives and children are often with us on the trips.
How does the life on two wheels looks like? Do you feel safe on the road?
You can never be 100 % safe. Bikers are often victims, but also can contribute accidents to happen. Despite the perception that the risks are greater on the open roads , the statistics show that accidents are more common in urban areas, and triggers and victims can be equally all road participants who do not obey traffic rules. My appeal and mission is to improve the traffic culture through a continuous process of education and practical application of traffic rules and regulations by all participants. Only in this way we will feel safer and will reduce the risks.
You pay high attention to traffic safety and by being on the streets you act as ambassadors for promoting the culture of safe driving. How did you establish the bond with Pivara Skopje?
Within years, Pivara Skopje has developed a communication platform for Health and Safety which aims to raise awareness of road safety and responsible and moderate alcohol consumption. Through the partnership that we have with Pivara Skopje we want to send a strong message to all traffic participants “If you drink alcohol, never drive!” Our goal is to initiate positive change in traffic culture and raise awareness of responsible consumption of alcohol for a greater traffic safety.
At the very end, what is your motto and what is the message you want to send?
Drive safely, do not drive if you drink and always consume alcohol responsibly!
