Friday 29 March 2024
 
»
 
»
Story

Bahrain in bid to beef up bikers' safety

Manama, June 25, 2012

Extra police patrols are being brought as part of a nationwide campaign in Bahrain to reduce increasing road accidents among bikers, said a top official of the General Directorate of Traffic.

The number of motorcycles registered on Bahrain's roads has more than tripled in the last nine years, according to the latest figures.

"The number of Bahraini riders is increasing every day and it is a new trend that needs more attention," said General Directorate of Traffic traffic culture director Major Moosa Isa Al Dossary.

"The rate of registered motorbikes has jumped by three times in the last nine years. We have decided to position more police patrols to make sure there is a smoother traffic flow and safer roads achieved for all motorists.

"We are putting together a booklet that educates Bahrain motorists on how to apply safety regulations on the road. Because riding a bike is something relatively uncommon in Bahrain, drivers are not used to dealing with them which may create more accidents,” he said.

Bikers earlier demanded to be given more respect from other motorists following two fatal accidents within three weeks.

Bahraini motorbike champion Yousif Karimi, 29, became the latest victim to lose his life when he collided with a car near the Grand Mosque in Juffair on June 8.

It is understood the Muharraq resident was knocked off his bike when an FJ Cruiser allegedly swerved into him as the driver changed lanes without indicating.

Major Al Dossary said bikers and other motorists were all part of the traffic system and should have mutual respect.

"We urge both to pay attention to the existence of each other and that they need to use indicators and back lights in order to make others aware of their presence," he said. "They also should not overtake each other and priority should be given to motorcycles since they are smaller in size."

Harley Davidson Bahrain general manager Najeeb Abdulla welcomed news of the police action.

"I think that it is about the right time to hold such campaigns because we need to find the right language between us and the car drivers," he said.

"I do not think that we should blame one part over the other because both are equally responsible. We have proudly established our own academy at the Bahrain International Circuit in order to train our riders about road safety. I am happy that the directorate has stepped forward to solve this issue because we do not want to end up having more deadly accidents." – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | Safety | Accidents | Police | Bikers |

More Miscellaneous Stories

calendarCalendar of Events

Ads