Barring children from riding motorcycle

Bangladesh has been witnessing a sharp rise in the number of motorcycles over the past several years. Many are often seen riding on motorbikes with their children, despite knowing the fact how fatal this can be if any accident occurs. There is no doubt that motorcycle, on just two wheels, is one of the most vulnerable vehicles. Motorcycle accidents can cause more danger than any other accidents.
But we often see that a motorcyclist rides down the street with a child sitting in front of the bike and his wife as pillion. Sometimes, there could be four of a family riding a single bike. What will happen if the rider has to stop quickly? In Bangladesh, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately very common. As a motorcycle rider you are 40 times more likely to be killed than car drivers or passengers. There are so many deaths every year in road crashes. Only the bereaved families know the pain of losing their loved ones. We should stop putting young children's lives at risk by sparing them motorbike rides.

Abu Elias Linkon,
Banasree, Dhaka,
lightening_sparkle@yahoo.com