MOTORCYCLISTS ARE SCARING the public to death and there is an urgent need to curb this lawlessness that is nothing less than a public menace.
Everyday we see bikers running red lights, riding sidewalks and doing their now infamous “wheelies”, be it on the major highways or some minor roads, all across this country. It may be skilful techniques on display but undoubtedly the wrong place and always at a bad time. The antics of these youthful bikers are simply too free-wheeling and is a real danger to public safety.
Thankfully, the Barbados Road Safety Association has recognised the dangers and has condemned these crazy bikers Mrs Sharmaine Roland-Bowen, the association’s president, has been forceful in her denouncing this recklessness and has quite rightly advocated that tough action be taken. The general insurance industry has also highlighted the dangers of these bikers because of the undue risks they cause on the roads .
It seems as if these stuntmen do not see the potential injury they can cause themselves or others with whom they may unfortunately come into contact with while trying to be an Evel Knievel in the wrong place. The public is clearly outraged given the tone of their letters to newspapers and the comments made on radio talk-shows. In all these instances it is only a case of moral suasion for the bikers to do the right thing on our roads.
The time is right for the launch of a public awareness campaign on the do’s and don’ts for bikers using the public roads in this country. The dangers posed to life and limb, the heartache and hardship caused to family and loved ones in the event of an unfortunate accident need to be explained. Perhaps, a survivor’s story needs to be highlighted.
Rather than try to wipe out these bikers, opportunity should be given for them to display their skills and techniques in a safe and controlled environment. The stress engendered by these lawless motorcycling practices needs to be redirected into an organised outlet where talent can be properly harnessed. These bikers should be encouraged to utilise their skills at arranged events and in designated areas such as the Bushy Park and Vaucluse motor race circuits.
Until any such effort can be initiated, the police must take a tough stance to end this rogue behaviour. They have spoken incessantly about the problem and can exercise more than moral suasion to curb this law-breaking. The police must also act before the infringements by these bikers become as tolerated and accepted as the daily infractions of the law by route taxis minibus drivers.
It is clear that these two-wheeled anarchists have driven fear into many careful drivers and pedestrians using our roadways. Acting Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith must take firm action.
