KARACHI: Karachi commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani has issued a notification setting up standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be followed by bicycle riders.
The standard operating procedures (SOPs) are issued keeping in view the increasing trend of cycling in Karachi to ensure the safety of cyclists. Violation of the following SOPs can result in legal action being taken under relevant traffic laws.
Cyclists have been asked to ensure that they have proper fitting helmets and some form of reflective material on their clothing as well as reflective strips at the back and front of bicycles when cycling at night.
Furthermore, before setting out to cycle, they must ensure that their breaks work and their cycles do not have a flat tire. At least one hand must be kept on the handlebar and any items or goods need to be carried while cycling must be kept in a carrier or a backpack.
If cyclists are riding at night, this should wear something makes them visible such as neon, fluorescent, bright colors, or wear something on clothes that reflect light, such as reflective tape. When cycling in a group, social distancing must be maintained, as per the notification.
Cyclists have also been asked to obey all traffic rules, signs and signals, including cycling in the same direction as the traffic flow, riding in the extreme left lane, signalling when turning and being mindful of the traffic surrounding them when attempting to turn, especially the vehicles behind them.
The directives also call for being careful to avoid road hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravels, puddles, leaves and animals, as these can cause crashes. Wearing headphones while cycling has also been discouraged, in order to avoid any dangerous situations.
All riders have been remain alert at all times, ride in a straight line with one hand on the handlebar and signal their moves to others. They asked to follow these SOPs and a failure to do so will lead to legal prosecution under relevant traffic laws.
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