Home Affairs and Crime Prevention Minister Jeremiah Norbert has issued a road safety appeal to motorcyclists following last week’s incident in which children and a biker sustained injuries after the biker lost control while doing a wheelie and hit the youngsters on the John Compton Highway.
“Any motorcyclist would tell you once you board your motorcycle there’s that adrenalin, that rush that you’re getting,” the former police officer told reporters.
However, the Micoud North MP stressed the need for caution, especially on two wheels.
“We should follow the rules and regulations of the road. Not because you have a motorcycle that gives you authority or that type of liberty to be able to maneuver how you want,” Norbert stated.
He urged bikers to be more careful.
Norbert, who in 2021 lost his right leg after a motorcycle accident, sympathised with the young victims and the motorcyclist involved in last week’s road incident.
“It also speaks to wearing your helmet- being vigilant. Drivers too, also have to be mindful to look out for motorcyclists, especially when you are approaching these junctions because the motorcycle, I mean, in just one glance the motorcycle would get there,” the former police officer told reporters.
He declared that bikers had the prime responsibility to follow road rules since they are road users like everyone else and do not have special privileges.
Norbert responded to whether police officers appear to be lenient toward bikers who are seen without helmets and other safety gear.
“I don’t want to say that police officers are more lenient towards motorcycle riders,” he told reporters.
The Minister acknowledged complaints that bikers flaunt the law in view of the police, saying that if that is happening, it should not be.
The Minister declared that the police have a responsibility to ensure that road users follow road regulations and take necessary action if they do not, including issuing tickets and charging them.
Nevertheless, Norbert highlighted personal responsibility.
“We who ride motorcycles, the responsibility is ours, you know. When you fall off a motorcycle and you find yourself in some sort of accident, you are the one injured you know, not the police,” the Minister declared.
He warned that people would be encouraged to take chances with bigger things once they get away with small infractions.
The police have to be on the Roads by day and night also install Cameras Island wide.Most of these Motor Cycle Riders have no Drivers permit and they ride very wreckless on the roads.They hit vehicles and just ride off.Most of them are so called Bad boys with conrow hair style .F£££££y
Norbert you need to cool out, gassa you’re too hot, cool out please, I’m tired of your nonsense
This guy is clueless as a duck in a chicken suit. Why not institute traffic patrols? Where are the radar guns? Where is the law on helmets? Speed limits? DUIs? You are out of your depth – as usual
WHen will these morons learn? Laws need to be enforced. You cannot appeal to people and expect them to do the right thing. Get off your behinds and start sanctioning.
Empty words, from empty minds!
A strong message should be sent out to the moronic motorcyclists. Threaten them with jail, fines, land papers as bond … One needs too be very harsh with those dunderheads, in a language they will understand.
C’mon Mr politician – be bold, drastic and mean what you say.a