Thursday 02 September 2010 :
Dangerous cycling, 302 nabbed in Abu Dhabi
The total number of cyclists arrested for non compliance with traffic rules and regulations on different roads in Abu Dhabi, during the period from 1 to 16 August 2010, was 302 from different nationalities. Some of them endangered their lives by riding their bicycles between vehicles, some drove against the traffic direction and others caused traffic accidents because motorists try to avoid them, so they involved in accidents.
Lt. Colonel Ahmed Abdullah Al Shuhi, Director of the Capital Police Directorate Traffic Department at ADP Directorate of Traffic and patrols said “All necessary legal actions have been taken against offenders. Awareness lectures will be organized to educate them on safe riding of bicycles, places where they can ride their bicycles and safety measures they have to adhere to”.
He has affirmed the continuation of traffic control and awareness programmes within the framework of strategic plan adopted by ADP Directorate of Traffic and Patrols, to reduce traffic accidents and runover cases which happen because of the unsafe use of bicycles. Any cyclist must hold the handlebar by his both hands; ensure that there is a front and rear lights, reflector and that the tyres pressure is in compliance with safety rules.
Al Shuhi has urged families to educate their children on the risks of riding bicycles on different roads. The law does allow those whose ages are less than 15 years to ride bicycles on public roads. Violators will have their bicycles confiscated.
He has called on amateurs to wear helmets on their heads and to ride their bicycles at special places for cyclists. They should not practice dangerous acrobatic acts on the roads.
