The reported rise in sales of motorcycles by 15 to 20 per cent due to nearly 15 per cent fall in their prices will certainly delight our youths but this is being viewed otherwise by Dhakaites with grave concern. In the capital, which is always clogged by huge traffic jams, motorcycles have turned out to be a menace for all. The cyclists appear to be free-wheeling as they ply their vehicles. The other day, while crossing the road at Topkhana this writer was about to be dashed by a speeding motorcycle but he narrowly escaped a deadly accident as a man nearby rushed to push him to a safe side. The motorcyclist was using the wrong side and he did not even care to press the horn.
All, from drivers of cars and buses to commuters, now find that motorcycling on such busy roads of Dhaka simply sends chill to the very bone. Drivers of cars and buses never know for sure which way the motorcycles will move. They miss no chance to fill up gaps in between two vehicles taking the drivers unawares. And the motorcyclists are nonchalant - as if, whatever they do, is right.
This scribe felt bad when he recently saw a speedy motorcyclist showing his thumb as a symbol of defiance at an on-duty traffic constable while driving past him at Shahbagh inter-section. He drove his motorcycle ignoring all other transports waiting for a signal to move. It seems, there is no law on earth for them. Ignoring traffic signals by the motorcyclists is the order of the day! And when there is traffic jam, they just negotiate their vehicles on walkways and footpaths to avoid gridlock. This writer had once confronted such a defiant motorcyclist on a footpath at Topkhana Road. He was asked whether he would allow the commuters to use the walkways. Pat came his reply: "Uncle, why don't you ask the same question to the vendors who set up make-shift businesses on the footpaths?"
It is highly regrettable that a person once put up an advertisement on TV warning dangers of accidents: "Be careful and if you meet an accident, you will suffer a lifelong tragedy!" What is interesting is that he himself sells motorcycles. And victims only know how fatal such accidents are.
Many of the road accidents occur in the capital as motorcycles throw the traffic rules to the winds. Traffic personnel, too, have seemingly taken their reckless behaviour for granted. But then who are to ensure safety of commuters in this city of over 16 million?
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