If It Saves One Life, It Saves One Life” – Philip O’Brien Shares His BikeSafe Experience
At BikeSafe, we regularly meet riders from all backgrounds and experience levels, but one thing always remains the same every rider wants to become safer, more confident, and more aware on the road.
Recently, we spoke with Philip O’Brien from Newbridge, County Kildare, who attended BikeSafe alongside fellow members of the Motorbike Academy based in Naas and Newbridge. Philip has been riding for over five years and currently rides a Triumph Tiger 1050.
During his interview, Philip spoke openly about why he signed up for BikeSafe and the importance of continuous learning as a motorcyclist.
“The big thing about BikeSafe is hopefully learning from mistakes I may have made and correcting bad habits. Going out with the Garda riders, you learn about road positioning, speed management, observation, and so much more.”
The Biggest Risk Riders Face
Like many motorcyclists, Philip believes one of the greatest dangers on Irish roads is simply not being seen by other road users.
“People in cars, vans, and trucks simply don’t see motorbikes. They turn across the road in front of you, pull out unexpectedly, or drive too close behind motorcycles.”
Philip also shared a recent close call while riding through the Wicklow Mountains with a group of fellow bikers. While overtaking two slow-moving vehicles on a clear stretch of road, one driver suddenly turned right directly across his path.
“I had to take evasive action and stop on the wrong side of the road. The driver was completely oblivious to the fact that I was even there.”
Stories like this highlight exactly why rider awareness, observation skills, and road positioning are such important parts of the BikeSafe workshop.
“All the Gear, All the Time”
When asked what advice he would give to new riders, Philip’s answer was simple:
“All the gear, all the time. High-vis gear, protective clothing everything. Ride within your limits and enjoy it.”
Visibility and preparation remain key factors in keeping riders safe on today’s roads.
Learning from Experience
Philip described the classroom element of BikeSafe as one of the most valuable parts of the day.
The combination of footage, rider discussions, road positioning demonstrations, and practical advice from Garda motorcyclists gave riders a chance to examine real scenarios and better understand how small decisions can make a huge difference on the road.
“The knowledge from the Garda motorcyclists is second to none. They’re fantastic.”
Would Philip Recommend BikeSafe?
Without hesitation, yes.
“I would recommend BikeSafe to anybody who rides a motorcycle, no matter what size bike they ride or what level of experience they have.”
Whether you are a newly qualified rider or someone with decades of experience, BikeSafe offers practical advice, professional guidance, and an opportunity to sharpen the skills that matter most.
Philip summed it up perfectly:
“If it saves one life, it saves one life. If it saves many, it saves many.”
Watch Philip’s Full Interview Below
