Based on my experience on riding a scooter for a month, I have here the 10 things that all drivers, bikers and pedestrians should know (most of them already know) in no particular order:
1. No Traffic Officers, No Rules
That is first rule and most important rule. You are free to ride three on a bike or U-turn on ‘No Turn’ sign or park anywhere (even at places with no parking signs) or move ahead in completely wrong lane or go into one-way or overtake from wrong way if you see no traffic officers ahead!
2. Drive for Your Safety
And, don’t care for others.
I have been repeated frustrated by the need of braking because some vehicles moves ahead and turns without signals on my way (and if I do not slow down I am sure to hit it).
We have a popular quote here: “During license test, they ask to move through five sticks that’s because riding bikes in Kathmandu is about swishing through and keeping yourself safe from other swishing through.”
3. Signals Not Required
Most of the four-wheel vehicles do signal but for motorbikes signaling seems to be a tough ask – many of them do not. I have nearly bumped onto bikes turning left and right without signals and at an occasion on a bike that’s taillight was not working.
4. Anyway, Keep Moving
Go on other’s lane or through narrow spaces, but the first rule in no matters what is ahead, keep moving. I have futilely tried to stop a bus that was moving into a mess of vehicles that required space to get clean. And, I myself have on numerous occasions rode on sidewalks!
5. Keep Quiet
Do not complain about all these because there is no one going to hear you. That’s what I have learned now!
Do you have more?
