The intensive crackdown by the police on thrill-seeking motorcyclists on city roads has driven the youths to find new patches outside the city.
This year alone, 13 motorcyclists have been arrested for racing and lodged in prison for endangering the lives of other motorists and pedestrians.
For many years till 2012, city roads, especially Kamaraj Salai and stretches leading to Elliots Beach, often turned into race tracks after dusk. Some two-wheeler mechanics in the city ‘juiced up’ the engines and used young daredevils as jockeys for races involving big bets.
“All that is history now, as the police are everywhere, nabbing speedsters. Heavy fines and even a few instances of imprisonment instilled fear among bikers who have now found new arenas for racing and bike stunts,” said Dheenadayalan from T. Nagar, a racing enthusiast who rode for betting races in the city.
Places in the suburbs, like the Sholavaram race strip, and highway stretches in Kancheepuram district are the preferred spots now, he said.
Some like Saravana Kumar from Choolaimedu believe the betting scene in racing has diminished not only because of the police but also due to the advent of newer and faster motorcycles.
“Earlier, there was just a 100 cc bike which talented mechanics would boost to touch speeds of up to 140 kmph. But these days, regular bikes rolled out by Honda and TVS perform better,” he said.
A senior traffic police officer said, initially youngsters who indulged in racing were let off with warnings. “But, as the number of accidents began to increase, we decided to get tough with penalties and arrests, from this year. Instances of racing have reduced since then,” he said.
According to road racing enthusiasts in the city, Sundays and holidays are gala time at the Sholavaram race strip and the highway near Kelambakkam, adjoining East Coast Road, with young biker groups congregating for racing and stunting.
“It is an arena where you can learn to do wheelies and stoppies from ace bikers, well-versed in stunts. What was once a weekly affair, now takes place once a month. Accidents and broken bones are common but it all adds to the thrill,” says Vikram, a city college student.
(Some names have been changed on request.)
