Dubai Police impound 640 bicycles and e-scooters for traffic violations

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Police have impounded 640 bicycles, e-bike, and e-scooters whose riders violated traffic laws and regulations.This reckless behaviour put the riders and other individuals on the roads at significant risk of harm.

The Force emphasised the critical importance of strictly adhering to all traffic laws and safety guidelines for cyclists and electric scooter users. They stressed the need for these riders to use only designated areas, away from regular roads, streets, and vehicle lanes.

Bicycles and scooters were impounded as part of a traffic campaign launched by the Dubai Police at the start of the month.

The campaign aims to enhance awareness about the critical importance of cyclists and electric scooter riders strictly complying with the applicable laws, guidelines, and instructions to safeguard the safety of the riders and all other individuals using the roads.

Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs, explained that the bicycles and scooters were impounded after their riders committed numerous dangerous violations.

He indicated that these violations included biking on roads with speed limits over 60 km/h; failing to wear the required safety vest and helmet; reckless riding that jeopardized the rider's safety as well as that of other road users; traveling against the flow of traffic; not dismounting while crossing pedestrian crossings; and the absence of the necessary technical specifications on the bicycles.

He stressed that bicyclists and e-scooter riders must adhere to the following conditions of safety and security while driving: wearing a proper helmet, especially when biking near highways, wearing a reflective jacket, and installing bright white front and red rear light reflectors.

Al Ghaithi further noted that several violations related to e-scooters and bicycles carry significant fines, namely, riding an e-bike or bicycle on the road with a speed limit over 60 km/h draws an Dhs 300 fine.

Similarly, riding a bike in a manner that endangers the rider or others also results in an Dhs300 penalty.

Meanwhile, carrying a passenger on an e-scooter is subject to an Dhs300 fine.

Transporting a passenger on an e-bike or bicycle that is not adequately equipped for that purpose results in an Dhs200 fine.

Lastly, riding an e-bike or bicycle against the flow of traffic carries an Dhs200 fine.

Al Ghaithi called on bicycle riders to strictly adhere to traffic guidelines and to only use designated roads and paths.

He emphasised the importance of complying with all security, safety, and regulatory requirements in areas where bicycle riding is permitted to ensure public safety.

Additionally, he urged members of the community to report any negative phenomena or dangerous behaviours they observe through the 'Police Eye' service on the Dubai Police app or by calling the 'We Are All Police' service at 901.