Police, Motor vehicles Department vow to rein in bike racers

Kochi: In the wake of reports about speeding young bikers ruling the roost on city roads, a meeting of top police officials in the city convened by Range IG K.Padmakumar has decided to take a no-tolerance approach towards bike racers who pose a danger to other vehicles on city roads.

According to police officials, steps will be taken to cancel the registration certificates of the bikes being used for joy rides and the licences of the riders will also be cancelled.  With these riders being a continuous nuisance, we will also seize their bikes to present them in the court for further action”, they said.

City Police Commisioner KG James and Deputy Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rafeeque were among those who attended the meeting.

So far this year, the city police has booked 25,951 cases against errant two wheeler riders of which about 9,748 cases were for speeding. Among these, the licences of as many as 1,170 riders have been either cancelled or suspended.

Aimed at curbing the menace, the police also urged local people to pass on information regarding these troublesome teens and have given the contact numbers of concerned authorities.

Meanwhile, more instances of bike racing has surfaced  in Kochi  with the residents of West Kochi alerting authorities  that youngsters  were practicing bike stunts on the interior roads here ahead of the Cochin Carnival fest on New Year’s eve.

“Performing stunts and racing on two-wheelers has been observed in Thoppumpadi, Kannamali and Fort Kochi, especially during nights and we have intensified patrolling in these areas”, said Circle Inspector of Traffic Station, West Kochi.

Harley Davidson riders hold rally

Kochi: In the wake of reports about youngsters on superbikes zooming at breakneck speed on the city roads, the Spice Coast Harley Chapter, an association of Harley Davidson riders in Kerala, organized a road safety awareness rally in the city on Saturday.

Transport Commissioner Rishi Raj Singh flagged off the ride, in which about 49 riders across the state took part.

According to Vinu Pathrose, director of the association, the event was aimed at raising awareness on the fact that Harley Davidson motorcycles were meant for cruises and not over-speeding.

“These are big bikes, but designed to be rockets. The acceleration is slower, cornering is wider, but all of it manageable. The idea is to be able to cruise long distances,” he said.