Rash bike riding and speed racing on city roads are becoming a nightmare for pedestrians and motorists in the city. Such a race has claimed the life of a 45-year-old Income Tax official. Sunil Kumar who was seriously injured when two youngsters, allegedly speed racing a bike, rammed into his bike on the Panampilly Nagar Avenue Road on Thursday evening. Sunil had cut into the Avenue Road from the Income Tax quarters. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Friday. The two youngsters, 21-year-old Aravind Kumar and Libin, are in hospital. Sources said that Aravind Kumar’s situation was critical. Traffic West officials said they were investigating whether the youngsters were speed racing in the area. The police have taken Aravind Kumar’s Honda CBR into custody. A case has been registered against the youths. Traffic Police Assistant Commissioner (West) Baby Vinod said that stunt racing was rampant at Panampilly Nagar and Chathiyath- Goshree road. “Most teenagers and youth take to stunt riding during the night and it is near impossible to regulate it during such hours. However, we take immediate action whenever we receive complaints,” he said. He admitted he has received several complaints from residents as well as autorickshaw drivers regarding such thrill rides at Panampilly Nagar. “They are quick at evading us and engage in the such activities whenever cops are not on duty in the region. However, based on Thursday’s tragic incident, we will take stringent measures to curb such activities,” the Traffic AC said. Criminal cases are charged against such offenders. Youngsters are also found racing bikes on the Seaport- Airport Road, Jawaharlal International Stadium Road, near IMA House, and NH Bypass. Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council president P Rangadasa Prabhu said the authorities should take strict action to ensure that stunt and speed racing do not take place on narrow roads. “Most roads in the city are narrow and dotted by humps and potholes. Stunt riding on such roads is highly risky. Awareness on the risks of speed racing must be created,” he said. There are reports that some youngsters take to dangerous bike racing after consuming narcotic substances.