Tuesday’s front page photo showed what has become an increasing reality. Groups of young scooter riders basically take over local streets, inconveniencing and often endangering other road users.
Police try their best with regular controls targeting motorbikes and impounding those found in non-compliance. However, the number of them seen performing wheelies and all sorts of reckless stunts in the middle of traffic only appears to be growing.
It was suggested in the past that giving youths their own facility to practice and compete in these skills might help. Free helmets were also given out on several occasions.
However, one can’t escape the impression that most do it precisely to get attention from and intimidate other motorists. Some have likened this to a kind of protest against their lack of prospects.
Whatever people may think of that, they must also realise there are many law-abiding scooter and motorcycle riders on the island. St. Maarten even has official instructors available to help get the correct driver’s licence, needed for insurance too.
In August Justice Minister Natalie Tackling called for a broader legal framework governing motorcycles, scooters, trikes, ATVs, e-bikes, electric scooters and kick scooters. Proposed measures include minimum age requirements, maximum speed limits, rules determining where different types of vehicles may operate, helmet certification requirements and mandatory safety equipment.
The ministry also wants stricter rules against modified exhaust systems that exceed permitted noise levels and explicit authority for police to confiscate and destroy illegal or non-compliant motorcycle and vehicle parts. How long this will take is not yet clear.
For now, parents with kids who desire to use a motorbike in any case should ensure they fulfil all the requirements and talk to them about obeying rules, wearing safety helmets and avoiding risky behaviour. It regards doing the right thing.
