Rajshahi, Apr 29 (V7N) - Residents of Rajshahi city are increasingly expressing fear and frustration over the dangerous speeding and excessive noise produced by motorcycles, particularly in the evenings on major city roads. A segment of young bikers are reportedly disregarding traffic regulations, effectively turning public roads into their personal race tracks. The loud roars and high speeds of these bikes are causing a significant sense of insecurity among ordinary citizens, pedestrians, and even passengers.

Beyond speeding, numerous other traffic violations are being observed. Many bikers are allegedly ignoring traffic signals, driving against one-way restrictions, riding on sidewalks, and generating noise pollution that far exceeds acceptable levels. This not only degrades the city's environment but also elevates the risk of road accidents.

Retired teacher Md. Shahidul Islam recounted his experience: "I go for an evening walk for health reasons. But the sudden loud noise and reckless speed of bikes have made walking on the road difficult. It feels like walking through a battlefield. Is this the scene of a civilized city?"

Women also report feeling unsafe. Employee Sumaiya Tanjin expressed her fear of returning home after work, noting a sense of disregard in the bikers' behavior and occasional inappropriate comments. She feels that even walking has become a struggle.

Rule-abiding bikers are also facing repercussions due to the actions of these reckless individuals. Rajshahi College student Raihan Kabir, who also rides a bike, stated, "What some bikers do on the road is unacceptable. Because of them, all responsible bikers like us are viewed negatively. If this isn't stopped, it will not only damage our reputation but also increase the number of accidents."

Rickshaw pullers, who depend on the roads for their livelihood, are living in constant fear. Anwar Hossain, a rickshaw puller, said, "Every day, we are afraid of bikers. We never know when they will come and hit us from any direction. Once, my rickshaw with passengers overturned after being hit by a bike. This fear is now a constant companion."

In response to the situation, Md. Nur Alam Siddiqui, Deputy Police Commissioner of the Traffic Department of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, stated, "We are trying to control speed and noise through regular check posts and mobile patrols. Cases are filed against those who break the rules. However, our CCTV cameras are currently inoperative, which creates some surveillance challenges. Efforts are underway to reactivate them quickly."

Data from the World Health Organization indicates that the normal level of human noise exposure is between 40 and 50 decibels. A survey conducted by the Department of Environment last year revealed that noise levels in the country's divisional cities have exceeded 130 decibels, which is two and a half to three times higher than the normal level.

A recent survey by the Department of Environment also found that approximately 12 percent of the country's population has already experienced hearing loss due to excessive noise. This is accompanied by various health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, lung complications, brain deformities, memory loss, and mental stress, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) Professor Dr. ASM Abdullah reported a concerning statistic: "Of the road accident victims who come to our hospital, 80 percent are victims of motorcycle accidents. This rate is very worrying."

In light of this situation, Sardar Abdur Rahman, a senior citizen and journalist from Rajshahi, suggested that while law enforcement is necessary, increased regular counseling at the police level is crucial to modify the behavior of young people.

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