THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: City cops are more vigilant now. They are taking every step to check bike racing, a crazy hobby indulged in by a section of affluent youths along city roads, posing a danger to pedestrians and other motorists. Bike racing on public roads has always been a headache for the cops. Four youths were arrested by the Museum Police the other day for racing along the busy Vellayambalam- Kowdiar Road.
“We had noted their vehicle numbers sometime back and so it was easy to catch them,” said Museum Circle Inspector C Mohanan Nair. The four youths, all in their early twenties, had chosen the Vellayambalam- Kowdiar Road for racing at 12.30 noon and were nonchalant when the public questioned it.
Not just the Museum Police, but all the police stations in the city limits are now vigilant against the menace as it leads to a large number of accidents. The police now note down the numbers of vehicles which engage in speeding. This helps them intercept the riders later.
The Vellayambalam-Kowdiar road, Chakkai Bypass and All Saints’ - Shangumugham Road are the favourite spots for the crazy youths who are least bothered about the danger caused by their passion.
"Two weeks ago, a 21-year-old engaged in racing met with a fatal accident near Kochuveli. Since then, we have been more strict in dealing with those who show ‘circus’ with vehicles on the road,” Poonthura police said.
“Sure, strict measures have helped in reducing the number of such incidents,’’ said Mohanan Nair. There have been protests from various youth organisations, including the DYFI, against bike racing whenever such incidents occurred. However, they allege that the police are soft towards the affluent youth.
"Once they are caught, the only thing we can do is charge them with a case of rash and negligent driving,” said Mohanan Nair. But, with rigorous measures, the police now hope to effectively check the menace.