MPs appear determined on attempting to ban delivery motorcycles from Bahrain’s main roads, citing mounting public anger over traffic violations and a growing number of accidents involving riders.
It comes as MPs narrowly dismissed Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee recommendation rejecting the proposal, warning it could worsen congestion and disrupt traffic flows across the kingdom.
The proposal, submitted by five MPs led by Bader Al Tamimi, seeks to prevent delivery motorcycles from using major highways and key arterial routes, arguing that reckless riding has become a serious threat to public safety.
The committee concluded that a blanket ban would be impractical and counterproductive given Bahrain’s interconnected road network. Committee chairman Hassan Bukhammas said the proposal, although well-intentioned, failed to account for the realities of traffic movement.
“Banning delivery motorcycles from main roads would create wider traffic problems, increase congestion on secondary roads and ultimately have a negative impact on overall traffic efficiency,” Mr Bukhammas said.
He explained that access to many residential and commercial areas is only possible via main roads, making it unrealistic to prohibit delivery riders from using them. Mr Bukhammas said the committee’s stance reflected a balance between safety and practicality.
“Legislation must be realistic and workable,” he said. “In this case, the evidence shows that rejection is the most responsible decision in the public interest.”
The Interior Ministry echoed the concerns, warning that a ban could push delivery companies to rely more heavily on cars, adding to congestion on already busy routes.
“The road network in Bahrain is interconnected,” Mr Bukhammas said. “Any restriction imposed on one category of road users must be assessed carefully to avoid unintended consequences elsewhere.”
However, Mr Al Tamimi defended the proposal, saying it was driven by growing public concern over dangerous riding practices and repeated violations. “Our objective was to reduce traffic accidents and protect both delivery riders and other road users,” he said. “We wanted to open a serious discussion on how to regulate this rapidly growing sector and ensure safer practices on the roads.”
He stressed that the proposal was not intended to disrupt traffic but to force stronger oversight and enforcement. “There must be continued efforts to address reckless driving, ensure compliance with traffic laws and protect lives,” he added.
During the debate, Mr Al Tamimi painted a stark picture of daily experiences on the roads. “I just travelled to Manama on the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway and on the left lane, a biker was driving 60kmh on a 120kmh highway,” he said. “He ignored other motorists honking for him to move.”
He claimed that accidents involving delivery motorcycles were alarmingly frequent and severe.
“Just look at the traffic accidents involving such drivers – hundreds every year. Around 99 per cent are fatal, and if lucky then they end up in a coma in the ICU,” he said.
MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi also voiced frustration, blaming the rapid growth of delivery companies for worsening behaviour on the roads.
“New delivery companies are opening in Bahrain, but without drivers respecting driving rules,” he said. “They enter from exits, exit from entrances, drive on emergency lanes and between vehicles. They have to be banned.”
Committee vice-chairman MP Abdulla Al Romaihi acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but urged broader thinking. “There is clearly a problem with these drivers that needs real solutions,” he said. “This ban could be one proposed approach, but there has to be more ideas.”
Committee rapporteur Dr Mariam Al Dhaen warned that banning motorcycles from main roads could backfire. “This move would just cause chaos rather than resolve anything,” she said.
“We could always move to more delivery cars or drones as in other GCC countries,” said Dr Al Dhaen.
The committee concluded that the proposal’s objectives could be better achieved through stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws, enhanced monitoring and awareness campaigns, rather than imposing sweeping bans. It also noted that delivery services have become essential to daily life and the national economy, particularly in densely populated areas.
Despite the committee’s recommendation to reject it, the proposal was narrowly approved and forwarded to the Cabinet for review. Sixteen MPs voted in favour, nine against, while others abstained.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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