Sharjah: Cyclists using their bicycles as a means of transporting cardboard and waste paper for sale have been banned, says Sharjah Municipality.
Anyone found violating the law will have their bicycles confiscated and sent to the scrapyard in Sharjah.
Bicycles used for commuting will be banned next month, according to Abdullah Al Ameri, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality.
Previously, police used to issue licences for bicycles, but this policy was scrapped because of cyclists' lack of awareness of safety regulations.
The ban has come as a result of the increasing number of road accidents due to cyclists being hit by cars while crossing lanes and because of not using reflective lights.
Unsuitable
Police sources stressed police will not seize bicycles from children and those used for leisure and sport.
"Sharjah's infrastructure is unsuitable for bicycles. The municipality is studying future arrangements with the Public Works Section to develop new areas for bicycles, such as Ajman corniche," said Al Ameri.
Campaign
Traffic awareness week is being held throughout the month as part of a campaign by police.
The municipality has participated by placing advertisements of the bicycle ban on the roads in English, Urdu and Malayalam newspapers.
