Manchester custos champions motorcycle safety

With its rolling hills and winding roads, Manchester has long been a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts. The hum of engines and the thirst for thrill are part of daily life in the parish. But, alongside this vibrant culture lies a harsh truth; motorcyclists often ride without certified helmets, putting themselves and others in danger.

Custos of Manchester Lieutenant Colonel Garfield Green is on a mission to change that behaviour and foster a culture of safety on Manchester’s roads. The parish experiences a high number of fatalities due to motorcycle crashes annually.

A businessman and a former president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Green has always been an active road safety advocate in the parish. Serving as custos since 2019, he has seized opportunities to drive meaningful change on the parish’s thoroughfares.

“Being the custos rotolorum for the parish, I am supposed to oversee programmes that promote rule of law, civic pride and public order. For me to achieve that I work with all stakeholders: the church, the police, the education sector, the community at large and the business community… because we promote these things in different areas and ways,” he said.

Manchester ‘on a journey’

Through his work with the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, Green is transforming Manchester into a model for motorcycle safety. From distributing helmets to fostering community partnerships and advocating for better road practices, he is laying the groundwork for a safer future.

“Manchester is on a journey. One helmet, one rider, and one community at a time, we’re building a culture of safety. The road ahead is long, but together we’ll get there.”

In 2022, Green joined the project steering committee of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, an initiative led by the JN Foundation in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council. He embraced the opportunity, recognising the urgent need to address motorcycle safety.

“I was asked to join as a member of the Coalition’s project steering committee, and I am happy to serve in that position,” he pointed out. “This initiative is one that is needed in our country, as we see motorcyclists riding daily without their gear.”

Motorcycle-related fatalities have plagued Manchester, with the parish recording the second-highest number of such deaths in the country last year. However, recent statistics reveal a promising downward trend in fatalities, a development Green attributes to increased advocacy and education efforts.

He recently hosted an event, in observance of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, at a known crash hotspot in the Manchester capital, Mandeville. Joined by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, the gathering paid tribute to lives lost in road traffic crashes. It was a compelling moment that inspired those present to be more vigilant through advocacy in the biking community.

“This year, we’re seeing fewer motorcycle fatalities, and that’s a trend we welcome,” he noted. “It shows that our efforts to educate and advocate are making a difference.”

Strong partnerships

He understands that changing road culture requires strong partnerships. He has teamed up with Upshifterz MC, a local motorcycle club known for its advocacy and practise of road safety. The organisation is also a member of the Coalition.

“Upshifterz will help us reach other motorcyclists and promote safety,” Green said. “They’re an excellent example of what responsible riding looks like.”

Additionally, he has collaborated with the HEART/NSTA Trust to provide specialised training for motorcyclists. So far, four riders have completed a course on motorcycle repair, and plans are in place to train more.

“We’re not just focusing on helmet safety,” Green said. “We want to develop an educational framework for motorcyclists and reach as many as we can. This is about equipping them with the skills and knowledge to be safer on the roads.”

His commitment extends beyond advocacy. He obtained his motorcycle licence this year 2024 at the age of 56 to better understand the experiences and challenges motorcycle drivers face. His leadership is hands-on to demonstrate his commitment to the cause and “walk the walk” of prioritising safety as a new member of the motorcycle community.

“We’re working to strike a balance in Manchester’s motorcycle culture,” he said. “Riders should enjoy the freedom of the open road, but they must do so responsibly. Wearing a certified helmet could mean the difference between life and death.”