A grant of up to 500 euros for the purchase of a motorcyclist body airbag was announced by the Ministry of Transport. This is the second phase of the program which will cover the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Last year was the first phase, 700 airbags were given and motorcyclists showed great interest.
On the show "Protoselido" the president of "star club" motorcyclists, Tzimis Angelidis, was hosted, who mentioned that the airbag is a very important and expensive part of the protective equipment, the prices start from 300 up to 1000 euros.
Mr. Angelidis stated that in three years the Ministry will come to finance one million and fifty thousand euros, which is converted into 700 airbags of 500 euros per year.
He also stated that motorcyclists represent only 7% of registered vehicles in Cyprus. This 7% corresponds to 32% of fatalities.
He emphasized that the airbag saves lives. There are already three airbags, first is the full jacket, there is a vest that goes over the protective jacket and now there is a new one that is worn under the jacket.
"The motorcyclist in the event of an accident leaves the vehicle, if the airbag is wired there is a bottle inside which will explode, the entire airbag will inflate which will cover the neck, back, chest and during the fall it will protect the most important parts of the body" , he added.
It is noted that of the fatalities in 2022, 37 people lost their lives, ten were motorcyclists and two were motorcyclist passengers and 60% did not wear a helmet. "If they were wearing a helmet they would be alive. The airbag doesn't do anything if someone isn't wearing a helmet."
In closing, Mr. Angelidis mentioned that they always wanted the State to be interested in motorcyclists, we see this project with a very good eye, it gives the opportunity to colleagues to acquire an airbag that otherwise would not be able to acquire it due to the high cost. So we're talking about two thousand people who will be able to get it through a simple process by just filling in their name, ID, machine numbers and email address and a draw takes place.
Watch the entire discussion in the video: