Caution thrown to the wind

Travel safe

A lot of women riders in Delhi give helmets a miss on various pretexts. Metrolife finds out why these “brave” riders go without a helmet.

Aarti Singh, who works with IBM, says, “Not wearing a helmet is incorrect and dangerous for both the rider and the pillion. I have seen 70 per cent women riders without a helmet.” While being aware of the hazards of riding without a helmet, these women also provide sufficient excuses. Priyanka Gupta, a resident of Rohini, often uses her scooty to ride to nearby areas and admits to not having even bought a helmet. She says, “While riding to nearby places, wearing a helmet is not necessary.

And I don’t even feel the need because I ride at a rather slow speed.” When asked about her opinion on women not wearing helmets, she adds, “If you really love your life then you must wear a helmet!” The nonchalant attitude is visible everywhere. Women riders are well-informed but still choose to flouting the rule. Sangeeta Bajaj, an assistant accountant who often travels on bike as a pillion rider with her husband, says, “Male or female everyone should wear a helmet because ultimately it is for our safety.” When reminded about practising before preaching, she says, “It is very difficult to wear a helmet as it not only gives a headache but also ruins the hairstyle. Also, when I am all dressed up to go to a party, wearing a helmet plays spoilsport.”

Women also agree to having witnessed others while flouting the rule. Kanika Tiku, an assistant director says, “Some women cover their face to hide their identity but do not wear a helmet specially the pillion riders on bikes.” She also admits, “I don’t wear one either while riding as a pillion rider because I feel claustrophobic and nobody really forces me to wear one too.”

On this casual attitude of women riders, Naresh Kumar, assistant sub inspector, Delhi Police, says, “A helmet is for your security but people don’t realise this. There are two to three cases every day where pillion riders are challaned for not wearing a helmet. But the sense of remaining safe should come from within and not from the fear of a challan.”