The allure of the rash riding-road racing menace particularly affects children. For years, the traffic police have advised against it. But children are often found riding to school. Recently, the State school education department woke up to the problem.
It issued a circular to schools, warning they would be held responsible if a student is caught riding any type of two-wheeler.
According to traffic police officers, even if some minors possess the skill to ride bikes, they may not have the maturity to ride responsibly. “They ride for the thrill, not for necessity,” says a traffic police officer.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, no person under the age of 18 is permitted to ride a bike or acquire a licence. Youngsters can ride two-wheelers with engine power of less than 50cc. However, such vehicles are not manufactured anymore.
Police say that if schools and parents play a proactive role, the issue can be solved. “Parents should stop purchasing bikes for children. Even if schools do not allow students to bring bikes, they will be rendered helpless if students ride from home and park the vehicles elsewhere,” says K. R. Nandakumar, secretary of Tamil Nadu Nursery, Primary, Matriculation and Higher Secondary Schools Association.
chennaidesk@thehindu.co.in
