'Bullets' hit Mysuru roads to create awareness on helmet rule

While the city police have been going tough against pillion riders violating helmet rule, a group of Royal Enfield aka bullet bike enthusiasts vroomed through the thoroughfares of the city to create awareness on the importance of wearing helmets.

Hundreds of Royal Enfield bike enthusiasts, including women, took out a rally on Sunday. Interestingly, 10 women riders rode bikes with ease to sensitise motorcyclists on the importance of wearing helmets and traffic rules.

The event was organised jointly by Royal Enfield Motorcycle Clubs–Enfield Monsters and Bulls of Mysore.  The ride was flagged off in front of LIC Divisional Office in Bannimantap and passed through Fountain Circle, Ashoka Road, KR Circle, D Devaraj Urs Road, Deputy Commissioner’s office, Hunsur Road, Kalidasa Road, Panchavati Circle, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), Bogadi Road, University of Mysore campus before culminating near Oval Grounds.

“We can still see many youths violating traffic rules without wearing helmets. Though wearing helmet has a lot of benefits, many are still unaware and reluctant to wear the safety headgear,” said Raghu Gowda, founder member of Enfield Monsters.

“Our intention is to make everyone follow traffic rules for free flow of traffic and also to avoid road accidents. Even though the police department is creating awareness, similar programmes with public participation will have more impact,” Gowda believes.

While the new helmet rule has elicited mixed response, the bullet enthusiasts have been following the rules for years. “We often go on long rides and participate in adventurous events. We are well aware about the importance of wearing helmets and follow traffic norms. Moreover, the norms are made for our safety,” said a rider.

The rally was also a tribute to Muhammed Suhail Muneer and Uthai Selvaraj of United Riders Udupi, who died in a road mishap recently. The rally was flagged off by N R Traffic Police Inspector C Kiran Kumar.