Sharjah seizes 500 bicycles, bikes to make roads safer

The Sharjah Municipality, in coordination with the Sharjah Police, seized more than 500 bicycles and bikes during the third quarter of this year. 

The intensified crackdown targeted reckless bicycle riders and unlicensed bikers who deliver food or grocery stuff in residential areas.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Khalifa bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, director of civil inspection department at Sharjah Police, said the efforts of municipality to check the illegal practice has resulted in the decline of the negative phenomenon by 60 per cent as compared to the same period last year.  

The municipality received a number of calls from residents about cyclists driving in wrong directions and bikers who ignored traffic regulations, exposing others to risks and endangering their lives. The bicycles are often left near walls, poles and telephone booths, which distort the image of the city, Al Suwaidi pointed out.

"Over 500 bicycles and bikes were confiscated in the third quarter by the municipality's inspectors and police patrols from various areas in the emirate," he said, adding that these were sent to be disposed of and recycled to ensure that they were not used again.  

Al Suwaidi said most of the bikes seized were used without licences and plate numbers and their owners ignored security procedures. The rider didn't care to wear a helmet and safety vest. The cycles were old and road unworthy, he explained.

The inspections also cracked down on bikes with modified engines that produce annoying noises, disturbing residents. 

'No-cycling' zones

Al Suwaidi said there are areas where cycling is banned, including the Khalid Lagoon Corniche, public parks, the area stretching from Khalid Lagoon to Khalidiyah Bridge, besides Al Wahda Road from Al Khan Bridge (Sharjah Gate) to King Faisal Bridge and the highways.

Cycling has also been prohibited on sides of public roads in front of shops or in public areas meant for pedestrians and shoppers.

The inspectors have been deployed to monitor these areas, track down offenders and penalise them by imposing fines, while confiscating their bicycles and bikes in case a violation is repeated.

An official at Sharjah Traffic Department said the police, municipality and other departments concerned are working in tandem to zero in on negative trends and practices that affect public safety and aesthetic landscape of the emirate. "The crackdown on cyclists and bikers aims at reducing accidents caused by their irresponsible behaviour," Al Suwaidi pointed out.

He said the exercise will also focus on educating bikers and cyclists about wearing helmets and safety jackets at night. There will be zero tolerance against those who flout traffic rules, the director underlined.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com