Muscat – Growing complaints over reckless motorcycle riding and late-night noise in residential areas have prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.

While motorcycles are widely used as an affordable and convenient means of transport, authorities and residents say unsafe practices by some riders are threatening public safety and disturbing neighbourhoods.

Brig Ali bin Salim Al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at Royal Oman Police, said illegal motorcycle use poses a direct threat to road safety and hampers efforts to reduce traffic accidents, injuries and property damage.

He said the most common violations include speeding, jumping red lights, riding unlicensed motorcycles, using motorcycles without number plates and weaving dangerously between vehicles.

Brig Al Falahi said the Traffic Law requires riders to obtain a motorcycle licence, register their vehicles, use designated roads and wear protective gear, particularly helmets for both riders and passengers.

He added that the Directorate General of Traffic continues to conduct awareness campaigns through media platforms, lectures and workshops aimed at promoting safe riding practices and reducing accidents linked to unsafe motorcycle use.

Citizen Amer Al Hanishi said motorcycles offer riders an efficient way to avoid traffic congestion and reduce transport costs. However, reckless behaviour and dangerous stunts by some riders have created a negative image of motorcycle users.

He stressed the importance of complying with traffic regulations, including displaying number plates, while suggesting smaller and safer front plates better suited to motorcycles.

Concerns have also been raised about unsafe modifications. Omar Al Hadidi, owner of a motorcycle repair shop, said demand for motorcycle modifications has increased, particularly among young riders seeking higher speeds and cosmetic changes.

He warned that modifications to frames, engines and exhaust systems can affect a motorcycle’s balance and stability if carried out without proper expertise.

Meanwhile, residents have called for tighter monitoring of motorcycle activity in residential areas. Hafez Al Busaidi said reckless riding and noise from unlicensed motorcyclists have become common at night, disturbing residents and endangering other road users.

Ahmed Al Sulaimi stressed the importance of parental supervision and awareness in protecting young people from the dangers of unsafe motorcycle use. He urged young riders to use motorcycles responsibly and avoid behaviour that could put lives at risk.