Two school boys on their way to school riding on a “registered” cycle (see front wheel). (Sorei Mahong Photo)
Dimapur| August 14 : This is truly a ‘laughing out loud’ moment. Last week, a cycling enthusiast took his cycle with training wheels out for a ride in Dimapur. Imagine his surprise when he was asked to ‘register’ his cycle with the municipal council if he didn’t want to be fined. Now, this person, who had never heard of such absurd law, was left speechless. Imagine facing a fine for riding your cycle on a public street without a license plate! Can one truly envision a day when the simple act of cycling becomes a hassle?
Register your cycle to avoid fine
For some of us who didn’t know…registration of cycle in Dimapur is a law. It has existed since the formation of the Dimapur Town Committee. Dimapur Municipal Council charges Rs.30/ for registration of every cycle plying within its jurisdiction. The penalty for not having a license plate is Rs.50/ (unofficially mostly). Nobody - not even the bicycle owner - has actually understood the rationality behind it. The interesting thing is that these bicycles fall under ‘commercial’ category. We wonder what those bicycles plying outside the municipal jurisdiction known as?
Registration of any type of vehicle is generally about the costs in road maintenance and repair imposed by motor vehicles. And heavier vehicles pay more because road damage goes up exponentially with more loads. Bicycles, known as ‘vehicle of the common man,’ is however, not likely to cause any damage to the roads or cause any major accident. Then, should bicycles be registered? What is the justification for registration of bicycles? What is the rationality behind it?
We would be fools to really believe there’s a case to be made that it would aide in tracking cycle theft. Poor fellow, he can’t even get his cycle insured, let alone prevent it from being stolen. So if we are required to register our cycles, we can certainly anticipate the day when cyclists will be licensed! Enjoy your ride till then.
