Ride-sharing (motorbike) service has become popular in the capital Dhaka, where nightmare traffic often means walking is faster than travelling by car or bus.
Although there was rush in the trains or buses, leaving capital Dhaka for a short distance, two-wheeled vehicles were seen plying on the in the city all day long.
This time thousands of people have travelled far and wide in this two- wheeler. Many people say that people have left Dhaka to celebrate Eid with their loved ones in ride- sharing. Some also say that holidaymakers have been going to their destinations by bike even at night.
After two years, motorcycles are running on roads and highways without much traffic congestion.
Although, the main cause of road accidents in Bangladesh is reckless driving by unskilled bike drivers, more than 4,000 to 5,000 people die in road accidents every year. Careless road users, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are responsible for more than half of all road accident deaths. In the past years there has been a significant growth in the use of motorcycles as a commercial public transport mode.
High speed is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accident. Accidents often occur when people travel with their families and luggage on motorcycles try to overtake buses, cars and other vehicles on the highways.
Since the launch of the app-based ride service, especially in the past few years, new motorcycles have been taking to the streets.
According to a BRTA survey of November 2021, the total number of motorcycles in the country is 25 lakh 8 thous and 523. About seven lakh motorcycles are plying in Dhaka city streets.
Riding a motorcycle is risky. But safe riding practices can reduce the number of injuries and deaths. Motorcyclists might not be able to control factors like road hazards, but they can control their own risky practices. Some motorcyclists like young guys are breaking the law and violate safety rules.
The number of motorcycle passengers will be two or three times higher than at any other time in the past. If effective measures are taken to control the movement of motorcycles, then it will be possible to reduce the number of accidents during this Eid.
