The people residing along Goa’s coastal belt of Calangute have rejected the compulsory helmet rule. Helmets, for them, are an inconvenience while riding on their busy village roads. They are irate that Road Transport Authority did not think about the hardships riders would face while they were on the road; its only concern was the increasing deaths on the State’s roads.
Is this the only reason for the strict implementation of the helmet rule in Goa? Since April 2015, the Traffic Cell personnel have fined two-wheeler riders for riding without helmets. Their drive, however, is immaterial to a few, who still ride without helmets. Others oblige, not out of fear of being killed, but to avoid a fine. Whenever a police official is questioned about it, they acknowledge the hardships, but claim to be helpless about changing anything.
“The implementation of the helmet rule is fine on national highways, but it doesn’t make sense to force people to wear helmets for their regular shopping,” said Ian D’Souza. “It discourages people from doing their regular activities. Nowadays, one tends to ride to a place than can be reached with a five-minute walk. Do we need helmets for such a short distance? It is time the Goa government listens to the people and relaxes this unfair rule.”
Melvyn Fernandes gave us his take on the impact of the helmet rule on football. “Football matches that take place on village grounds attract a large number of fans. Fining helmet less fans is only going to drive them away without watching the match. As it is, some of these matches – mostly I-League – have a low attendance. Also, if fans are asked to carry helmets for matches, they could be used as weapons if a fight breaks out.”
Supporting the aggrieved citizens, Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo said, “The government of Goa implemented mandatory wearing of helmets on Goan roads for the safety of riders; it should be appreciated. However, considering the hardships of riders, the rule should be relaxed or withdrawn in the interest of the people of Goa.”
He added that it was not possible for a person going to offer prayers at a religious institution to carry a helmet, and those parents reaching their children to school would also be affected. One also couldn’t carry them while shopping for fear of the helmets being robbed.
