Bike numbers and risk rising
FROM PAGE 1
A total 3.75 lakh bikes got registered with BRTA last year -- 1 lakh of those in Dhaka alone, shows BRTA data. In other words, 1,028 bikes hit the streets everyday across the country and 274 in Dhaka.
In 2020, the number of bikes registered in Bangladesh and Dhaka was 3.11 lakh and 78,551 respectively.
On the other hand, 1,168 people were killed in 994 road crashes involving bikes last year, says ARI. It was 1,097 and 958 respectively in 2020.
The highest number of deaths and accidents, 1,198 and 1,108 respectively, occurred in 2019, when the highest number of vehicles and bikes got registered -- 4.97 lakh and 4.01 lakh.
A report of the Road Safety Foundation also indicated the magnitude of bike accidents.
Of the total 418 people who were killed in road crashes last month, 178 perished in bike-related accidents, accounting for 43.60 percent, it found.
Both ARI and the foundation prepared their reports based on news articles, so the number would be more as many such incidents go unreported.
WHY THE NUMBER OF BIKES RISING?
Prof Hadiuzzaman said the government’s “favourable policy” regarding the bike registration is a major reason behind the rise. When everyone is talking about the risks involving bikes, the government halved the registration fee last year.
Besides, the local production of motorcycles and availability of bikes on various e-commerce platforms at cheaper prices and on instalment are some other factors.
Hadiuzzaman added that a very poor public transport system, especially in Dhaka, is another reason behind people opting for bikes.
BRTA data shows the number of buses and minibuses is declining gradually. Only 1,909 buses and minibuses got listed last year, while it was 3,015 in 2020.
Amid perennial traffic congestion in Dhaka city, bikes take people to their destinations faster weaving through jams, he said.
Introduction of ride-sharing apps in 2016 was another reason for the increase in number of bikes.
Hadiuzzaman said Covid-19 situation has made many people jobless, so they somehow managed a bike and start carrying passengers using app or negotiated fare.
BRTA spokesperson Mahbub-E-Rabbani too observed that an increasing number of people are buying bikes to navigate through traffic congestion in Dhaka city and many use bikes as a means of livelihood.
BIKES MAKING ROADS RISKY
Citing examples, Hadiuzzaman said there is a direct link between the number of bikes and road crashes.
In 2010, Japan had a total 12.5 million bikes. Bringing down the number to 10 million in the last 10 years, they were able to cut 50 percent road crashes involving bikes, he said.
Vietnam had taken a decision to make seven major cities off limits to bikes after 2030 but they brought the deadline forward to 2025 as the number of bike accidents is increasing, he said.
“We have lessons to learn from these countries,” he said.
Poor infrastructure, especially lack of dedicated bike lanes, is another reason for bike accidents. Both the biker and pillion rider remain relatively unprotected and exposed to accidents compared to drivers and passengers of cars and buses, he said.
A big chunk of bikers are young and they do not have licences, let alone training.
Citing a recent survey, on an average, a biker in Dhaka city changes lanes six times a minute and violates rules, he added.
Replying to another question, he said sub-standard helmets are a major reason behind high casualties in bike accidents.
A quality helmet can cut deaths by 50 percent and injuries by 70 percent in bike accidents, he said, citing a World Health Organization report.
Asked if they have taken any steps to reduce bike accidents, Rabbani, also director (road safety) of BRTA, said they hold awareness campaigns and different ride-sharing companies are giving training to their bikers.
Asked about the huge number of riders without licences, he said their mobile courts often conduct drives against errant riders.