Things to keep in mind while riding motorcycle in pandemic

Famous English poet Geoffrey Chaucer once said “Time and tide wait for none” but every day due to traffic congestions in cities we lose a major amount of our time.

Traffic jam has turned daily trips into nightmares. Especially in places like Bangladesh, as it is becoming one of the most densely populated countries. According to Bangladesh Road Safety Authority (BRTA) report, in Dhaka, every day we lose 3.8 million working hours which has been affecting our economy severely.

However, ridesharing services such as Uber has brought revolutionary changes in daily commute when they incorporated Moto or motorcycle services.

By using these motor services, daily commuters are not only saving valuable time but are also being able to conserve their energy to tackle their hectic day. Apart from that, many consider a motorcycle ride is a perfect way to release stress after work.

There’s no denying that motorcycles are becoming the convenient transport in cities like Dhaka, but after the pandemic, a lot has changed forever. In our ‘new normal’ world we are asked to maintain distance. Also, we have to follow a few personal hygiene and safety protocols among a group of people, especially in close contact. Thus, it becomes difficult to share rides.

Nonetheless, before taking any moto ride if a few things both drivers and riders keep in mind, they can stay safe and sane. For example, the motorcycle, especially its handle, seat, the place, where the passenger keeps hand and helmet, should be cleaned and disinfected after every ride, using spray or soap.

Moreover, drivers and riders should sanitize or wash their hands before starting each ride. And on their journey, both drivers and riders should wear face masks. Besides, while parking, distance should be maintained from the crowd. Also, a maximum distance between driver and rider should be ensured while sharing a ride.

Furthermore, to ensure motorcycle driver and passenger’s cleanliness, hands should be sanitized at regular intervals, and while sneezing or coughing – tissue paper or elbow should be used to cover. Because like many viruses, covid-19 is spread through contact and droplet transmission. Moreover, whenever in doubt, stay home and don’t travel. So, if the driver or passenger has covid like symptoms such as fever, cough – they must stop providing or taking ride-sharing services until they have clarity on their situation.

Besides, if any of the aforementioned conditions are not met, the driver or passenger can give a review through the ride-sharing app and cancel the ride without any cancellation charge. Also, if possible, riders should use their own helmets to maintain personal hygiene. But if not, it’s recommended, riders can wear shower caps under the helmet.

Thus, keeping yourself protected from the virus by following hygiene tips, you are ready to embark your motorbike journey whenever you want.

AFM Asaduzzaman is a former general manager of Bangladesh Bank