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29 March 2024

Sharjah Police pedalling safety for 'dodgy' road users

Published
By Sneha May Francis

Driving in Sharjah is turning out to be a nightmare, with many motorists claiming it is a struggle to dodge cyclists who disregard traffic safety rules.

They zigzag through the interior roads without any warning, and are often found riding on the wrong side of the road.

The problem is far more pertinent in the industrial areas where workers use cycles to cart heavy goods.

“Driving through Sharjah is turning out to be extremely risky. These cyclists pop up anywhere and everywhere without any warning,” stated Jaikumar, a Sharjah resident who drives to Dubai daily.

“You will find them where you least expect it – around corners or on the wrong side of the road.”

Emirates24|7 witnessed the ground reality after conducting a trial run over the weekend.

Motorists claimed that the situation is far more precarious during week-day peak traffic.

If the authorities don’t take adequate action then this is an area where disaster is waiting to happen, asserted a concerned Sharjah resident.

That’s not all. The riders don’t wear any safety gear – helmet or jacket – making their ride extremely dangerous.

Sharjah Police told Emirates24|7 that they are aware of the situation and are taking all measures to ensure nothing untoward happens.

They informed that safety campaigns were conducted regularly to educate riders about their safety and those of others on the road.

“We are aware that these cyclists have caused many accidents. We instruct them about how to be safe on road,” informed an official at the Sharjah Police Headquarters, Deputy Commander-In-Chief Office, Media and Public Relations Department.

“We teach them that it isn’t safe to ride on the wrong side of the road and that they must use helmets and jackets.

“We also warn them against carrying heavy load because it can inadvertently cause an accident as it is tough to balance goods on two-wheelers.”

The official emphasised that they are keen on making roads safe for all commuters and believed that awareness is the key to solving the problem.

He added that if a rider is caught violating the rules, adequate punishment is meted out.

“The cycles are confiscated or fines are levied if they are found to disrespect the rules.”

He also confirmed that there is no ban on cyclists in Sharjah.

They are, however, not allowed on main roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.