Championing helmet safety: Marlon Fletcher’s mission to protect motorcyclists
KINGSTON, Jamaica-For Marlon ‘Cutter’ Fletcher, motorcycling is more than just a passion, it is a platform for advocacy.
As a key member of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition and president of the Jamaica Motorcyclist Association (JMA), Fletcher is at the forefront of a movement to change perceptions of motorcyclists and improve road safety in Jamaica.
“I have always been involved in the new Road Traffic Act or the amendment of certain aspects in my capacity as president of the JMA. So, when I was asked to be a member of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, I said yes,” Fletcher shared.
Highlighting his deep commitment to the cause, his advocacy extends beyond awareness. He has actively worked with policymakers on helmet safety and the Road Traffic Act, ensuring that motorcycle drivers have a voice in shaping regulations that impact their lives.
Fletcher’s dedication to helmet safety is personal.
In the early 2000s, he survived a near-fatal motorcycle crash that left him with a serious concussion. Reflecting on the experience, he recalled the doctor’s words: “if you were wearing a helmet and still had such a serious concussion, imagine if you weren’t wearing one.” That moment solidified his belief that helmets save lives, a message he now champions across Jamaica.
However, he emphasises that not just any helmet will do – it must be certified for safety.
“Too many bikers are wearing helmets that provide no real protection in a crash. We must educate them about the importance of wearing only certified helmets that meet safety standards,” he explained.
As the leader of the community engagement team for the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, Fletcher works to foster a culture of safety among motorcyclists, suppliers, and the wider community. His efforts extend beyond policy advocacy, he takes action.
In 2024, he spearheaded a blood drive to support the National Blood Transfusion Service, addressing the strain motorcycle crashes place on the healthcare system. Under the theme, “Leave your blood at the hospital, not on the street,” the initiative collected a record 85 units of blood, drawing support from government officials, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other key stakeholders.
This year, he is expanding the blood drive through the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, which will lead the initiative in collaboration with entrepreneur and motorcyclist Barrington ‘Daylight’ Heslop, owner of Daylight Motorsport. As the lead for the Coalition’s Community Engagement workstream, Fletcher is building on last year’s success to make an even greater impact. The upcoming blood drive on February 22, will be held at the National Chest Hospital blood bank, with support from key collaborators, including the JCF and the Island Traffic Authority.
While Fletcher’s advocacy defines his present, his journey began long before.
“I have been riding motorcycles since I was nine years old. I am from a family of motorcyclists, even my mother rode a motorcycle, but I am the only one who took it to a professional level with stunting,” he shared.
His skill in motorcycle stunting earned him the moniker ‘Cutter’ and led to a career that took him across the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada.
“Through the years, I have mastered the skill, and I have done shows all over the Caribbean, US, and Canada. I was even a stunt double in two movies, Top Shottas and Dancehall Queen. I was also a body double for Jay-Z and taught him to ride while he was in Jamaica,” he recalled.
Despite his success, Fletcher made a promise to his family to retire from professional stunting in his 40s. Now, his focus is on giving back to the motorcycling community, not only through his business, Aklamar Couriers, where he prioritises helmet safety for his employees, but also through his unwavering commitment to advocacy.
The National Helmet Wearing Coalition is an initiative being implemented by the JN Foundation in partnership with the National Road Safety Council and the FIA Foundation.
The coalition is dedicated to improving motorcycle helmet safety in Jamaica. Its core objectives are to increase helmet usage, promote certified helmets, and advocate for stronger road safety policies.
