Calls for tougher action grow as stunt biking continues to put lives at risk in Srinagar

Srinagar, March 03: Despite several traffic control measures, stunt biking remains a growing menace on the streets of Srinagar. Young riders, primarily teenagers and young adults, are frequently seen engaging in high-speed racing, dangerous stunts and reckless maneuvers, endangering not only their own lives but also those of pedestrians and commuters.
The problem is particularly rampant in areas such as Boulevard Road, Hazratbal, Eidgah and the Parrypora-Hyderpora stretch, which have become hotspots for such activities. Many of these bikers ride without helmets or proper safety gear, weaving through traffic and risking serious accidents. Some even record their stunts using helmet-mounted cameras and upload them to social media, further encouraging others to engage in these life-threatening acts.
Residents and daily commuters have expressed increasing frustration, citing frequent near-miss incidents.
“It’s become nearly impossible to drive or walk safely. These bikers speed past vehicles, zigzag through traffic and perform stunts in busy areas. It’s just a matter of time before a serious accident happens,” said Hanief, a resident of Hyderpora.
Hilal Ahmad, a resident of Rajbagh, recounted a harrowing experience, “I was driving near Dal Gate when a biker suddenly swerved in front of my car while doing a wheelie. I barely managed to brake in time. If I hadn’t, it would have been a disaster.”
Similarly, Arshad shared an alarming incident, “I was crossing the road near Eidgah when a biker came out of nowhere, swerving between cars. I barely managed to jump back in time. This is not just irresponsible; it’s life-threatening.”
Shopkeepers in these areas have also raised concerns. “These bikers zoom past our shops at high speeds, often startling customers. We have seen pedestrians forced to jump aside to avoid getting hit,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a shopkeeper in Baghat.
Many residents are now demanding stricter action from traffic police. “Fines and bike seizures are not enough. We need a sustained crackdown with stricter penalties, including suspension of licenses for repeat offenders,” said Imran, a resident of Hazratbal. “Until authorities take tougher measures, these reckless bikers will continue putting lives at risk.”
Despite multiple crackdowns by law enforcement, the problem persists. Many bikers evade authorities by choosing less-patrolled roads or performing stunts late at night. Police have been seizing motorcycles and issuing fines, but offenders often return to the streets undeterred.
“We have been taking strict action, including impounding motorcycles and penalizing violators. However, the issue requires more cooperation from parents and the community,” said Muzaffar Shah, SSP Traffic Srinagar.
With schools set to reopen in the coming days, authorities plan to intensify enforcement efforts at known stunt biking spots. “We are planning to increase our drives across these identified areas,” Shah added.
Authorities believe social media plays a significant role in promoting stunt biking. “These riders are chasing internet fame. They record stunts and post them online, encouraging more youngsters to imitate them. We are considering stricter penalties for repeat offenders,” an official stated.
To combat this growing issue, the traffic police have also launched awareness programs aimed at educating the public on the dangers of reckless biking.
“We are actively running awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of stunt biking and promote safer riding habits. Our goal is to ensure that young riders understand the risks and make responsible choices on the road,” said Shah.
While authorities ramp up enforcement, they stress that long-term solutions require a combination of strict penalties and public awareness. By fostering a culture of responsible riding, officials aim to curb the menace and ensure safer roads for all.