Speed demons: Islamabad’s battle with bikers

From reckless manoeuvres to brazen disregard for traffic laws, streets become a battleground for safety

ISLAMABAD:

The streets of Islamabad bear witness to a concerning trend of moral and ethical decline, epitomised by the reckless behaviour of bikers careening through busy thoroughfares, endangering lives both their own and those of others.

The sight of bikers weaving dangerously through traffic, often straying into lanes reserved for four-wheel vehicles, has become distressingly commonplace.

Despite efforts by law enforcement to address the issue, nearly every major artery in the federal capital is overrun by these daredevil riders whose erratic manoeuvres result in vehicle damage and serious injuries.

In recent years, the situation has deteriorated to an alarming degree, impeding the smooth commute of conscientious motorists to their destinations. With few exceptions, bikers display a flagrant disregard for traffic laws, seemingly always in a hurry and oblivious to the consequences of their actions.

Compounding the problem is the absence of designated lanes for bikers, granting them free rein to dart between vehicles at will. Delivery personnel, in particular, pose a significant hazard as they race from one delivery to the next, prioritising speed over safety. Bykea riders, too, flout traffic regulations with impunity, often carrying multiple passengers and weaving through traffic with little regard for the rules of the road.

“For them, it is routine to collide with other vehicles and then flee the scene,” laments Aamir Chaudhry, a resident of Pakistan Town, recounting the injuries his son sustained in such an incident.

The proliferation of bikers in Islamabad can be attributed to factors such as population growth, urban expansion, and the rising cost of fuel and transportation within the city. However, these circumstances do not justify the flagrant disregard for traffic laws exhibited by many bikers.

“We have every right to use these roads,” asserts biker Asad Mahmood. “But that doesn’t mean we can ignore the rules of the road.”

Such statements are not only irresponsible but also indicative of a larger societal problem where individuals feel entitled to flout the law with impunity. Despite efforts by law enforcement to enforce traffic regulations and impose fines, the situation persists due to inadequate staffing and interference from influential individuals seeking special treatment for violators.

The Islamabad Traffic Police, once regarded as a model force, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including staffing shortages, logistical constraints, and political interference. This erosion of authority undermines the morale of officers and emboldens violators to repeat their offences.

It is incumbent upon legislators, policymakers, and administrators to address this issue with the seriousness it warrants before it escalates into widespread conflict and lawlessness.

By setting a positive example and demonstrating respect for the law, leaders can instil a culture of compliance that benefits all members of society. Failure to act risks further deterioration and erosion of societal norms.