colour blind

Accidents, killing cyclists and those walking on the road, are common in India. But the Indian government has suddenly woken up to realise this fact.

Perplexed to find ways to tackle the problem, the Ministry of Surface Transport has come up with an idea to introduce a law that from now on all the bicycles would come in bright orange colour. The argument is that the colour would make the cyclists clearly visible on the road and therefore no accidents. Fair enough, the colour would definitely make the cyclists visible. But, is that all required to stop accidents and road rage which thrives on Indian roads.

In India black is the colour for all the basic bicycles, which serve as a common mode of transport, especially for those who can't afford the luxury of travelling in overcrowded public transport, like buses and trains.

I was bewildered at the wisdom of our government. Instead of ensuring stringent compliance of traffic rules and instead of educating people to strictly adopt the road safety measures, the government is planning to change the colour of the bicycle to ensure the safety of cyclists.

I am wondering....will the change of colour would actually help cyclists save themselves from the speeding MUVs and SUVs - raving on the Indian roads with vengeance. The owners of these cars (mostly the politicians or their henchmen) firmly believe that the roads belong to them - them alone and no one else (especially not to those who are either walking or who are in smaller vehicles - be it cycle or scooter or even a small car). Even the government run buses speed and every second day the newspapers report the death of either school going children or of women.

So, the question is - will this bright orange colour be powerful enough to deter the owners of these powerful big machines from their usual road rage? Or will the colour be inspiring enough to let them show a little courtesy to cyclists or even to those walking on the pavement or crossing the streets?

Personally I don't think so. I am not so hopeful. Rather, I would suggest that its high time we Indians should start `behaving' on the road. Let's start showing some courtesy and some manners while driving. What the government can do is to ensure that the extensive traffic laws/rules, which exist in India are implemented in their true letter and spirit. There should be strict punishments/penalties for those who violate these rules. The politicians and their men too should NOT be spared when they break the law.

Many would argue that it is not possible as the country is so big and there are so many vehicles and so many people on the roads, its not practical to penalise everyone. Not everyone can observe patience while driving. Also, people say such behaviour (which is in the blood of even a growing up kid in the west) is not possible in a big country like India.

Even if the argument holds any weight, does that mean we accept the rude and uncivilised behaviour and practice it in our daily lives? I don't think so. At least we can make a start to ensure road safety. Two simple steps can be taken at practically no cost to anyone - implement the law on the government part and behave our best on our part.

Let's face the fact - in India maximum death happen due to road accidents. If these two steps make a slight change on our roads and make the traffic conditions better and safer for people, we can continue walking, but stop if these two steps fail.

During my recent visit to UK I saw how the cars follow the cyclists if they are on a ``no-overtaking'' road. They wait patiently and no one honks, no one rushes the cyclists. The cars overtake the bicycle only when the road signs permit them to overtake. The cars stop if people start crossing the road, even when the pedestrian signal is red. All the vehicles give way to others trying to reverse or turn.

Instead of introducing an interesting colour for the bicycles, the need is to stop and ponder why there are two extremes of behaviour on the roads? One in the west which is sensible, courteous, polite and legal and the other which is mental, discourteous, aggressive and illegal. In my belief it is simple respect to life - which they do and we don't.