By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter
Eleven years after a law made it mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets, most people are still riding without protective headgear.
The rule was introduced on July 1, 2002, and residents welcomed it as a “historic” move. The law was implemented after the traffic and health authorities reported a large number of accidents involving cyclists in different parts of Qatar, especially the Industrial Area, which had a large number of bicycle users.
While many cyclists followed the rule for about a year and wore helmets, mostly the cheaper varieties, many gradually stopped doing so.
The situation has not improved since with most people ignoring the rule and riding bicycles without wearing helmets.
At a seminar attended by representatives of the roads and infrastructure sector earlier this year, a senior traffic official recalled that there had been several road accidents involving cyclists across the country over the past few years, though there were no official figures of the casualties.
Sources said accidents have claimed the lives of several cyclists across the country, particularly in the Industrial Area, with most of the victims belonging to the Asian expatriate communities. Ironically, many of these mishaps reportedly took place when traffic safety awareness campaigns were under way, they added.
Besides flouting the law on helmets, cyclists are often seen violating other traffic rules. These include moving across busy roads or cycling in the opposite direction even in fast lanes. According to a source, delivery boys of grocery shops are often seen riding dangerously despite being warned by pedestrians and motorists.
The Industrial Area witnesses many such violations, especially in the poorly-lit areas during the evening hours. As a result, say sources, these places see several accidents involving cyclists.
Interestingly, the authorities had also instructed cyclists to use helmets with bright lights so as to prevent accidents after sunset. However, hardly any cyclist follows this rule as well.
Expressing concern over the violation of traffic rules by cyclists, especially the one on wearing helmets, a resident of the Industrial Area said: “It is doubtful if anybody follows this rule, which was enforced with the intention of protecting the lives of cyclists.”
Plans to build dedicated cycling tracks in parts of the Industrial Area were announced by the infrastructure authorities. These are yet to take shape.
Recently, during the announcement of a major community development plan within the Al Rayyan municipal limits, it was declared that the place would feature similar tracks for cyclists.
Cyclists are often seen committing perilous violations, besides not wearing helmets. Picture used for illustrative purpose only.
