Team Motoheadz, a stunt group, went on a safety awareness drive from Bhubaneswar to Sikkim’s ‘Zero Point’ distributing flags, leaflets and plants saplings on the way
CHAITALI SHOME, OP
BHUBANESWAR: Performing bike stunts on roads, college campuses and indoor fields is a sport which is very much in vogue these days. Young bikers revel in such daredevil’s acts while viewers are usually thrilled at the prospect. However, instances of such stunt men promoting awareness regarding safe driving are rare to say the least.
Meet Soumya Priyadarshi Panda alias Ceasor, Shankey, Frank, Suman and Udipta Rath who have undertaken this novel initiative. These are the members of Team Motoheadz, a stunt team that promotes safe riding. On a brief interaction with Orissa Post, Soumya said, “I have been viewing quite a few stunt videos on YouTube since a long time. I along with Udipta and Shankey kick started these events in the state. Other members joined in later on.”
Frank is a mopped stunt rider. He undertakes stunts with non-gear vehicles while all the other team members do it with geared vehicles. The best stunt team in the state is Ghost Riders. It is a freestyle stunt group and has performed many national stunts in advertisements of Pulsar, Bajaj and many other firms.
Soumya said, “There is a vast difference between freestyle and bike stunts. Motor cycle athletes perform in an enclosed area with the complete safety gear while stunts are extremely timed acts like standing on the bike seat, zooming on roads and halting your bike while keeping your rear wheel in the air. Youngsters who feel stunts can be done easily are wrong. Every member of our team practises meditation, yoga and maintains fitness. The biker must be able to handle any unforeseen circumstance.”
Suman, another member of the team, said, “One needs to own a proper helmet, jacket with chest and backbone guard, elbow card, knee and shin guard, gloves and above all proper shoes for driving. A good stuntman should be well-versed with all the traffic rules.”
However, the painful truth about stunts is that the state Govt does not recognise bike stunt as a sport. To keep the sport alive and grow awareness amidst youngsters about safe driving, Motoheadz had organised a safety drive from Bhubaneswar to Sikkim’s Zero Point, Lachung. The total distance traversed by the group was 2500 kms. Members of Motoheadz distributed flags, leaflets and even plants saplings during their awareness journey.
Currently, the state has 15 Bike stunt professionals who are quite relaxed about their safety. All of them believe that whoever is interested in the sport should learn how to be safe first. However, with the bulge in crowd, it’s getting difficult for the group to practise. Ceasor says, “Youngsters must learn not to disturb people on road. They should find their own personal space to practise stunts because such things come with a lot of responsibility. Irresponsible people should not attempt such stunts.”
Up until now, these daredevils have performed 30 shows. All their parents are incredibly proud of their achievements. The group is getting offers from huge firms like Mountain Dew too.
Biker Sajal Seth said, “Such teams are truly an inspiration as they promote road safety. Whether it’s a dirt bike or Pulsar, all it needs is a rider who is very particular about his own style of stunts. One should be loaded with confidence to engage in such activities.”
