The number of deaths caused by over-speeding and wheelies are persistently on the rise as every year a large number of youngsters lose their lives while performing daring stunts, thanks to the apathy and negligence of the authorities concerned. While these dangerous practices are seeing a surge across the country, the traffic police department is doing little to keep a check on it. Young motorbike-riders are seen over-speeding just for the fun despite knowing the risks involving these stunts. Similarly wheelie too has become very popular among the youth and one can witness them risking their lives on almost every other road of the country’s big cities.
Recent years have seen an alarming rise in this dangerous trend in Pakistan. We regularly read and hear news about accidents caused by wheelie enthusiasts, especially on the weekends and some festive occasions. Not only do these youngsters put their own lives in danger but they also pose a threat to the life of other road users. These daredevils are often seen racing their motorbikes on back wheels, juggling while doing so and performing other dangerous stunts like lying flat on the seat of a speeding motorbike and doing other dangerous tricks. Some are seen doing these dangerous stunts while their girlfriends are riding with them.
Most of the motorbikes used in these insane stunts are without silencers and the bikers make sure to give their bikes a complete makeover by using dazzling headlights, removing mudguards and fuel tanks adorned in bright colours. Some of these youngsters are said to be involved in criminal activities, harassment and mobile snatching and other petty thefts. They dodge traffic policemen and violate traffic laws. There are a number of causes for the persistent increase in these hazardous on-road stunts. The foremost among them is said to be the lack of recreational activities for the youngsters. There are a few public parks in major cities and hence less opportunities for healthy sports. Then there is militancy and terrorism that reduce recreational activities further, the general public, fearing terrorism, avoids visiting places where health entertainment are available. In these circumstances, the young people resort to dangerous activities such as wheelies and over-speeding.
Many residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad say they are wary of these “young adventurers”. The pedestrians among them say they have to be very alert when on a road, lest they should be knocked down by these ‘fun-starved’ youngsters. “I wonder how these young men are allowed by their parents to ride their bikes in that fashion,” a resident wondered. Another resident of Rawalpindi also said those young men need some good parenting.
“Apart from over-speeding, these custom-designed motorbikes are also used in anti-social activities,” he added. Some of the residents were also of the view that the traffic police must install cameras on big roads to control such activities.
They also said that the public should also cooperate with the traffic police to control the menace. They urged the government to enforce strict laws to eliminate those dangerous activities on busy roads and ensure the safety of people’s lives.
The residents also demanded the government should set up safe tracks and training facilities for bike racing enthusiasts, so they might not become a source of inconvenience for the road users.
