Concerns rise over antenna wire mandate for bikers

Citizens’ dismayed over authorities’ bizarre approach to combat kite flying hazards

RAWALPINDI:

Despite persistent challenges in curbing the smuggling and use of hazardous metal and chemical strings for kite flying, the Punjab government along with the police has introduced an unconventional solution to safeguard motorcyclists from stray strings.

Under the new initiative, motorcyclists are required to not only wear helmets but also install long antenna wires on their bikes to fend off dangerous kite strings. However, this measure has sparked worries among citizens, as many are being compelled to remove rear-view mirrors to accommodate antennas, posing significant traffic risks.

Despite a blanket ban on kite flying and the use of metal and chemical strings across the province, including Rawalpindi, these regulations are often flouted, particularly during the Basant festival. Moreover, despite efforts to curb smuggling from other regions, kite-flying incidents persist, resulting in injuries and fatalities.

Similarly, the smuggling and delivery of locally produced material from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and other areas is also going on. This year too, kite flying was done openly throughout the province during which many cases of deaths and injuries came to light because of string running over the necks and incidents of falling from the roofs.

While the installation of antennas on motorcycles aims to protect riders from lethal strings, it has not addressed the root issue of enforcing kite-flying bans and controlling the circulation of dangerous materials. Concerns have been raised regarding the proper implementation of these measures and their impact on road safety.

In Rawalpindi, antennas were installed on the highways by stopping motorcyclists, however, during this exercise, such antennas are often installed in the places reserved for the rear-view mirrors, while the lack of back-view mirrors on motorcycles also increases the risk of accidents.

Motorcyclists interviewed expressed frustration over the government’s inability to address the underlying problems and highlighted the burden placed on them to mitigate risks independently.

Citizens have called upon Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to prioritise stringent legislation against kite flying instead of imposing makeshift solutions like antenna installation.

Meanwhile, authorities emphasise the importance of adhering to existing regulations, with Muhammad Raza Rawalpindi, Motor Vehicle Examiner, advocating for the judicious placement of flexible antenna wires on motorcycles. However, some experts argue that the ultimate solution lies in comprehensive legislation at the national level, coupled with stricter penalties for kite-related offences.

Former Chief Traffic Officer, SSP Syed Ishtiaq Shah, warns against the potential hazards posed by antenna wires and underscores the necessity of addressing the issue at its source for a lasting resolution.

“This is not a solution, if the government is serious about making the lives of the citizens safe, it should legislate from the central level and increase the penalties by banning the manufacture and possession of kites and strings across the country,” Shah said. “This is the only way to overcome this problem and all other measures will be temporary,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2024.