Bikers protest against draft policy on motorcycle movement

The bikers on Wednesday afternoon formed a human chain in the capital's Manik Mia Avenue demanding the withdrawal of draft policy on motorcycle movement, claiming inconsistencies in the policy.

The bikers in Dhaka said that they will submit a memorandum to the chairman of BRTA on March 5 for the realization of their demands. They expect him to review everything and take a timely decision. 

On behalf of the organizers, a biker named Sheikh Mamun said: “We have seen that the policy says that motorcycles cannot be driven at a speed of more than 30kmph in the city and motorcycles below 126cc cannot be driven on highways. Motorcycles will not be allowed to ply on highways for 10 days before and after Eid or Puja. This policy is not acceptable.”

“We think they are trying to stop the country's economy and progress in the name of controlling motorcycle traffic. This policy must be withdrawn immediately,” he added.

Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

He further said: “The speed of bicycle or rickshaw on the road is 20-25km per hour. A maximum speed of 30kmph for a vehicle like a motorcycle is never acceptable where Dhaka riders use motorcycles to save time.”

The bikers mentioned that anywhere in the developed world there is no precedent for driving a motorcycle at a speed of even 60kmph on the highway. Driving at low speed on highways is considered a traffic hazard by the country's traffic officials because it can be confusing for other vehicles. Moreover, the extra low speed on highways will make motorcyclists more prone to accidents with other vehicles.

They said that a large proportion of motorcycle users are young entrepreneurs, who usually use motorcycles with a capacity of 125cc or less. In that case, if 125cc motorcycles are not allowed on the highways, it will create obstacles in the business expansion of young entrepreneurs, which will hinder the progress of our economy.

The bikers also said that in developing countries like Bangladesh, the economic wheels are very dynamic during Eid and other festivals. In that case, if restrictions are imposed on motorcycle movement at this time, it will create obstacles in the overall economy as well as the expansion of trade and communication.

A policy is reportedly being formulated to reduce road accidents by regulating motorcycle movement, encouraging safe use and use of less risky bikes alongside increasing awareness among riders. 

Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

The Motorcycle Movement Policy-2023 recently formulated by the government aims at reducing the use of fast bikes which will bring down the number of casualties in road crashes as well. 

A nine-member committee headed by Joint Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Department Anisur Rahman prepared the draft policy. The committee includes representatives of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), Bangladesh University of Engineering (BUET), Roads and Highways Department and the Bangladesh Police.

Officials had said the policy is likely to get final approval soon.