If you've been out walking in the medina recently, you can't help but have noticed that the number of motorbikes whizzing about has increased.
And this week an accident did happen. An Australian tourist, Patricia, was out with her guide when an out-of-control bike came careering towards them. They jumped into a shop doorway to escape, but the bike kept coming and rammed into them. The driver was unlicensed and inexperienced. The guide was burnt by exhaust, his recently-done skin graft on his leg was torn, and he was cut; he was rushed to hospital. Patricia suffered from shock.
It's time for the authorities to clamp down on motorbikes in the medina. The streets are far too narrow and thronged with people. It's seriously dangerous. The accident described above is probably not the first and certainly won't be the last. The View from Fez calls on the authorities to stop bikes in the medina before it's too late.Comments welcome on this topic.
Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
2 comments:
You only have to see what has happened in Marrakech to understand why motorbikes must be stopped now. How hard would it be for the police to confiscate any bike in the Medina?
The problem is not so much motorbikes themselves. It has more to do with how bike owners/drivers (all male) drive them. In many third world places, having a motor of any kind seems to give people a feeling of power and consequently an insensitive and often arrogant way of operating their vehicles. I drive a small scooter and previously tried to utilize the parking facilities offered in my area (R'cif). This resulted in my mirrors being stolen, my gas being drained, and pieces broken off the chassis. This happens largely because there is no enclosure affording security. During the changes in the R'cif area there was an opportunity to improve any number of issues related to vehicles and parking. Instead of improvements things have simply gotten worse.
People who value their bikes keep them at home more than ever.
Personally I drive as quietly and slowly as possible and demonstrate my sensitivity and concern for all pedestrians. This hasn't protected me from running into the occasional cop looking to supplement his income. Most people have motorbikes to get to and from work. I would guess that in most cases they simply cannot afford cars. Buses are yet another subject riddled with problems.
I can think of at least half a dozen ways to address the problem of motor bikes in the Medina. But of course I have no real say in the sometimes less than intelligent way such matters are handled. The macho driver mentality is a cultural phenomena probably beyond
education. The answer certainly is not to confiscate people's transportation to the work place. This will only fuel serious resentment, understandably so.
It might help to at least fully understand the issues involved.
Jearld
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