The report in the GDN about yet another cyclist losing his life on Thursday in Bahrain is deeply disturbing.
Sadly, such incidents are becoming far too common on our roads, and they raise serious questions about public safety, parental responsibility and the urgent need for stricter regulations governing cyclists and electric scooter users.
Only a few days ago, I witnessed two young children riding a single bicycle through a narrow residential street lined with parked cars on both sides. One child was balancing precariously on the back while the rider sped through the lane with little regard for the dangers around them. Neither of them was wearing a helmet.
In another instance, I saw a man on an electric scooter weaving recklessly between moving vehicles on a busy road in Manama, also without any protective gear. These are not isolated incidents; they are becoming an everyday sight across Bahrain.
Equally concerning is the number of children seen cycling on public roads as late as 8pm to 10pm, often without reflective clothing, lights or any adult supervision. Visibility is poor at night, and motorists may not have enough time to react if a child suddenly swerves into traffic. While drivers are often blamed after accidents occur, can they always be held fully responsible in such situations? Road safety is a shared responsibility.
Children simply do not have the maturity or road awareness required to navigate traffic safely.
Bicycles and scooters should be restricted to parks, cycling tracks and designated recreational areas rather than busy roads and residential streets. Parents must also understand that allowing children to ride unsupervised in traffic places not only the children at risk but also motorists who may suffer lifelong trauma after an accident.
I believe that the Traffic Directorate should introduce stricter monitoring and awareness campaigns. Police patrols in residential areas should warn parents when children are found cycling dangerously on roads at inappropriate hours. There should also be mandatory helmet rules for cyclists and scooter riders, particularly for minors, along with penalties for non-compliance.
Clear regulations are also needed for electric scooter users, including speed limits, safety gear requirements and restrictions on where they can operate.
Bahrain has made great progress in improving road infrastructure, but without stronger enforcement and public awareness, tragedies involving cyclists and scooter riders will continue. One more death should not be needed before meaningful action is taken.
Patrick James
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