INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, JUNE 12
The governmentdecision yesterday to ban pillion riding as part of its plan to gradually ease lockdown has upset pillion
riders on two-wheelers.
Despite the governmentban, Kathmandu streets today witnessed considerable number of pillion riders
They were spotted engaging in heated discussion with on-duty traffic cops, who stopped two-wheelers for violation of the new traffic
rule.
Santoshi Thapa, 40, works at a private firm at Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur
She left for her office riding pillion on her husbandmotorcycle at around 9:00am today
But, traffic police personnel got her off the motorcycle for riding pillion against the rule
It dampened her spirit of attending the office after more than 80 days of strict lockdown that restricted mobility
&I and my husband live together, but are not allowed to travel together.
Itis ridiculous
This rule reflects the lack of flexibility, tolerance and far-sightedness on part of the government,& Thapa said
However, the ‘rider-only& rule has not been an obstacle for some lawmakers, who got lifts on motorcycle to go to the Parliament Building
Even police personnel were also seen riding pillion
The ban on pillion-riding has directly affected mobility of women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who depend on
two-wheelers of their kin and friends to travel from one place to another
Motorcycle or scooter is a primary means of transportation for middle and lower income families in the valley.
&This move has deprived us of
mobility even at difficult time when ban on public transport is still effective amid the lockdown.
Pillion riders are among the family
We don&t offer lift to unidentified persons
Therefore, the government should scrap this rule immediately to ensure freedom of movement,& Gyanendra Sharma, 36, of Gaurighat said.
Senior
Superintended of Police Bhim Prasad Dhakal, In-charge at Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, said it was the responsibility of traffic
police to enforce the decision of the government
&We are trying to convince the riders to follow the rule for their own safety
We have no intention to trouble them and restrict their mobility,& he said.
A version of this article appears in e-paper on June 13, 2020,
of The Himalayan Times.
The post Restriction on pillion-riding affects mobility appeared first on The Himalayan Times.
