Our recent story on bikes in the Medina brought a flood of emails and although we haven't the space to publish them all, we thought a couple were worth sharing.
Jenny from Marrakech says:
It would very good if Fés learns from the mistakes in Marrakech. Here the noise, pollution and danger of mopeds and bikes is a very big problem and our guests most common complaint is about nearly being run over. It would be so easy to ban them here, but nobody seems to understand what a problem it is. Fes should act now while the number of bikes is still small.
Abdulwahed from Fez says:
Most people don't realise that there have already been accidents and some people hurt by motorbikes. The local people do not like them either. The police should fine anyone who is driving a motorbike in the streets. I think pushing them is okay.
Richard from Fez says:
For some years I have been trying to convince local authorities in meetings and by letter (to the pacha, wali, prefecture etc) that the introduction of motorbikes, three-wheelers and 'hondas' will soon destroy the ambience and charm of the mcdina. None of these people have taken the slightest notice. Now, as tourism in Fes returns and wages rise and the bikes become cheaper, the médina in parts is crawling with motorbikes/mopeds.
It appears that those involved in tourism and therefore with most vested interest are those least aware of the problem: they never venture out of the VN and also have absolutely no idea of the current situation in Marrakech, where bikers have become so aggressive that both vistors and locals are starting to shun the médina entirely.
In February this year a higly-placed member of the CRT, during a private meeting with me, called the Chief of Police and asked him about the notices banning motorised vehicles that were supposedly being prepared, to be installed on each main gate of the médina. The response, in front of me, was that these notices had already been placed at Bab Boujloud and Bab el Guissa. Has anyone seen them yet? Was this police official being economic with the actuality? And,if so,why?
The fact is that there are no laws regarding the illegality of motorised vehicles in the médina and if there were, there could be no control other than the occasional acceptance of a note or two, once in a while. No Law & No Control. What to do? Perhaps finding a way to the King is now the only answer. If not somebody's child will be run over and the politicians will make a fuss & do nothing. If there are other forums they should be found, as it is ultimately Morocco which must take responsibilty for the desecration of this extraordinary city.
If another Merc gets into the streets I suggest someone takes the keys and throws them in the tannery vats.
Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
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