Promoting electric bicycles

The number of motorcycles is increasing every year in Bangladesh. Nowadays, more and more people are choosing motorbikes as these vehicles are easier to maintain in terms of cost and hassle. Though they have provided some relief to the public amid the transport crisis, these risky two-wheelers have also increased the number of road accidents. At least 519 people were killed and 961 others injured in 458 road crashes in the country in August this year, according to a recent report published by the Road Safety Foundation. Of the total victims, 172 people or 33.14 per cent were killed in motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle crashes can happen just about anytime and anywhere. But there are some factors that make such accidents more likely to occur. Speeding, among others, is a major cause for these accidents.

Many underage bikers are careless on the road and drive recklessly, often causing deadly accidents. These accidents are so frequent that there are many people who want the authorities concerned to ban this vehicle. However, banning two-wheelers can never be a solution. Alternative means of transportation like electric bicycles should be considered and promoted in place of motorcycles. Generally, electric bicycles can move at speeds up to 35km/hour to 45 km/hour, which usually does not cause fatal road crashes.

The advantage of using an electric bicycle would be the reduction in transportation expenses as the recent price hike has increased the transportation budget of many people in the country. They are convenient as they reduce the physical effort of the rider while also allow them to travel faster to reach their destination. In Bangladesh, electric bicycles are getting increasingly popular in the urban areas. If we can promote these vehicles across the country instead of traditional motorbikes, it will certainly reduce the number of road crashes.

Abu Elias Linkon,

Banasree, Dhaka,

lightening_sparkle@yahoo.com