Bengaluru: Safety harness must for kids below 4 years on bikes

BENGALURU: Two-wheeler riders watch out. Starting midJuly, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in the state are set to penalise those who carry children less than four years’ old on their vehicles, without securing them with a safety harness. A penalty of Rs 500 will be imposed for the first offence and Rs 1,000 for subsequent violations.
Before initiating penal measures, RTOs will be required to conduct awareness drives, particularly in preschools and kindergartens within their jurisdiction.

The cost of harness belts varies from Rs 400 to Rs 2,200 apiece, depending upon the size and quality of the product.
C Mallikarjuna, additional commissioner of transport department, confirmed to TOI that the rule is being implemented considering the safety of children as well as those allowing them on their two-wheelers.
“It is quite common to see parents or guardians carrying children on bikes or scooters. Kids are often made to sit either on the fuel tank or are allowed to stand in the leg space [footrest for the front rider] of a scooter. Sometimes, a child is even made to sit behind the rider. There are even instances of children falling asleep while seated on the fuel tank,” Mallikarjuna said.

“If a child is seated behind the rider, it becomes difficult to keep a vigil. Considering these aspects, safety harness has been made mandatory,” he added.

The official further said the department’s priority is to educate parents.

“There is a need to create awareness about the rules. RTOs have been asked to visit schools in their jurisdiction and educate parents when they come to drop off their children.”

In addition to parents, awareness drives will also be conducted to educate school managements, two-wheeler distributors, and others. The department is also planning to involve the department of school education in its drive.