Sharjah cracks down on reckless cyclists

sharjah — The Sharjah Municipality, in coordination with the Sharjah Police, has seized more than 500 bicycles and motorbikes for various violations during the third quarter of this year.

The crackdown targeted reckless bicycle riders and unlicensed bikers who deliver food or grocery stuff in residential areas.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Khalifa bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, director of the civil inspection department at the Sharjah Police, said the efforts of municipality to check the illegal practice has brought down the negative phenomenon by 60 per cent as compared to the same period last year.

The municipality received a number of calls from residents about cyclists driving in wrong directions and bikers who ignored traffic regulations, exposing others to risks and endangering their lives. The bicycles were often left near walls, poles and telephone booths distorting the image of the city, Al Suwaidi added.

no-cycling ZoneS

Khalifa bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, director of civil inspection department at Sharjah Police, said there are areas where cycling is banned, including the Khalid Lagoon Corniche, public parks, the area stretching from Khalid Lagoon to Khalidiyah Bridge, besides Al Wahda Road from Al Khan Bridge (Sharjah Gate) to King Faisal Bridge and the highways.

Cycling is also prohibited on sides of public roads in front of shops or in public areas meant for pedestrians and shoppers. The inspectors have been deployed to monitor these areas, track down offenders and penalise them by imposing fines and confiscating their bikes in case of violation is repeated.

The confiscated bicycles and motor bikes were sent to be disposed of and recycled to ensure that they were not used again.

Al Suwaidi said most of the seized bikes were without licences and number plates and were old and unsuitable for rides, he added. The inspections also cracked down on bikes with modified engines that produce annoying noises, disturbing residents.