Bike racing roars back in Visakhapatnam; residents seek action

Bike races have re-emerged in Visakhapatnam, morphing into a growing concern for both authorities and residents. These illicit races, often fuelled by betting, take place late at night on coastal roads and suburban streets, raising safety fears. Once confined to major cities like Hyderabad and Vijayawada, the bike racing culture has gained traction in Visakhapatnam, attracting both experienced riders and thrill-seeking youngsters. Despite police efforts, these “batches” continue to violate traffic laws, especially on weekends.
Participants, primarily teenagers and college students, gather near bars and wine shops along the national highway before heading to suburban areas for their races. However, these races come at a cost, involving dangerous stunts, high-stakes betting, and endangering not only the racers but also bystanders. Law enforcement efforts to curb this trend have yielded mixed results. While some racers have been penalised, many remain at large, fostering a sense of inadequate surveillance. Sporadic interventions haven’t deterred the participants, who continue to use once-peaceful areas like RK Beach and the IT SEZ for their activities.
The perceived lack of robust surveillance has sparked public outcry. Residents are demanding stricter measures, including the reinstatement of well-staffed checkposts, highlighting the perceived shortcomings of current policing tactics. “Strict vigil is being maintained on bike racing gangs,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) G. Srinivasa Rao. He emphasised collaboration between traffic and law-and-order police to control the issue by increasing patrols in areas frequented by these groups.
Previous initiatives like beachside checkposts had shown promise, but their effectiveness has waned. These posts are often deserted or understaffed at crucial times, rendering them ineffective deterrents. Residents believe reinstating stringent checkposts is crucial to addressing this rampant lawlessness. Visakhapatnam faces a challenge in balancing the thrill-seeking allure of these races with the safety of its residents.