Muscat – In an effort to enhance road safety and discipline among motorcyclists, Royal Oman Police has issued a decision to set up specialised driving schools for motorbikes. The decision stipulates stringent requirements for setting up motorbike driving schools, including Omani nationality of the applicant with a good reputation and no criminal convictions. The training bikes must be used solely for instructional purposes, fitted with driving instruction plates. Will this decision help reduce traffic accidents? What else do we need to do to reduce motorbike related traffic violations? Here is what readers of Muscat Daily said –

Vinod Kumar, Private sector employee

The decision by ROP to establish specialised driving schools for motorbikes marks a significant step towards improving road safety and discipline among motorcyclists in Oman. By setting stringent requirements for the establishment of these schools, such as the requirement for the applicant to be of Omani nationality with a clean record, ROP aims to ensure that only qualified and reputable individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of training new motorcyclists.

Anwar al Balushi, Businessman

I welcome the move and support it. The mandate that training bikes are used exclusively for instructional purposes and fitted with driving instruction plates underscores the commitment to providing safe and controlled environments for motorbike training. If anyone violates these clauses, the licence must be cancelled.

Salim Busaidi, Entrepreneur

This is a good initiative. Alongside formal training and education, robust enforcement of traffic laws and regulations is essential to control reckless behaviour. This includes increasing police presence and implementing measures such as fines and penalties for traffic violations. There must also be public awareness campaigns emphasising the importance of safe riding practices, wearing protective gear and adhering to speed limits.

Salman al Abri, Driver and tour guide

This is an excellent move from ROP. Some of the other ways to reduce traffic accidents include investing in road infrastructure and implementing safety measures specifically tailored to accommodate motorbikes, such as dedicated lanes and improved signage. Such measures can further enhance road safety for all road users.

Aijaz Khan, Educator and entrepreneur

In view of increasing accidents involving motorbikes, ROP’s decision to set up driving schools across the sultanate is a good step. This would help young drivers take driving seriously resulting in enhanced road safety. Regular checks on motorbikes, particularly below 70cc, will further reduce road accidents.

Ofelia V Hassan, Lecturer

Aside from having driving schools for motorbikes, it is high time to allocate specific bike lanes with appropriate signs. Age limits should also be considered when issuing permits for motorbike driving. If seat belts are mandatory for driving cars, safety gear such as helmets should be enforced among motorbike users.

Sayed Murthala Mohamed Muheez, Accountant

Implement stringent licensing requirements. Enforce regular safety training programmes. Enhance road infrastructure for safer motorcycling. Increase public awareness campaigns on road safety. Introduce strict penalties for traffic violations. Provide incentives for safe driving practices. Improve emergency response systems for accidents.

Sahaya Vijay, QA/QC engineer

It’s a good lead by ROP to direct setting up driving school for motorcycles. Additionally, kindly provide a special track for cycles, battery-operated cycles and motorcycles. Safety rules and guidelines should be taught to everyone who operates four wheelers and two wheelers. Strict fines and punishment may be imposed for rule violations. Use of cellphones while driving bikes should be strictly prohibited. And the use of public transport may be encouraged to save Earth from air pollution.