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I fully support MP Hassan Bukhammas and the parliamentary committee’s proposal for stricter rules on bicycles and handcarts in Bahrain. It’s a smart, urgent step forward, especially after the heartbreaking recent deaths of two cyclists on our roads. These tragedies hit close to home and highlight why we can’t wait any longer.
For years, Bahrain’s roads have grown riskier for everyone – drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians – because bikes and carts operate without clear regulations. Think about it: cars, motorcycles, and trucks are strictly controlled with registration, insurance, licensing, and regular checks. Yet bicycles and handcarts share the exact same busy traffic spaces with zero formal oversight. This gap leaves us all vulnerable.
As someone who drives regularly across Bahrain – from Manama to the highways heading south – I’ve witnessed countless close calls. It’s common to see cyclists pedaling late at night with no lights, reflective clothing, or helmets. They dart unpredictably between lanes, forcing drivers to slam on brakes. During rush hour or in the dark, it’s terrifying and nearly impossible to react safely. I’ve had to swerve more times than I can count just to avoid a collision.
This isn’t about pointing fingers at cyclists or motorists. The core issue is the lack of enforceable standards. Without bike registration, visible ID plates, or safety requirements, investigating accidents becomes a nightmare – who’s at fault when there’s no way to identify the bike?
Many cyclists are hardworking low-wage labourers, delivery riders, or residents from modest backgrounds. They deserve real protection: simple, affordable measures that keep them safe instead of exposing them to speeding traffic.
The proposal nails it by focusing on practical safety, not burdens. Mandatory front and rear lights, reflectors for visibility, ID plates for accountability, and basic third-party insurance make perfect sense. These aren’t fancy extras – they’re basics that could save lives without breaking the bank.
Plenty of developed countries, like those in Europe and parts of Asia, already regulate bikes in urban areas with heavy traffic. Bahrain’s roads have evolved too – more cars, higher speeds, denser cities. Enforcing tougher laws is just logical progress, not some radical change.
Of course, rules alone aren’t enough.
I hope the authorities also invest in dedicated cycling lanes and better signage to give cyclists safe options away from highways. Shared roads demand shared responsibility.
Safety must come first for all. These accidents are a stark warning: delay costs lives. Parliament’s initiative reflects true foresight and care for everyone on the road.
I urge the ministry concerned to act swiftly and implement these overdue measures before more families suffer.
Rajesh Madhav
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