Ban of Pillion Riders on 100cc Bikes Leaves B’lureans Stranded

Ever since the ban, Manohar, a mechanic in South Bengaluru, is concerned about the safety of his daughters.

The Karnataka government has banned pillion riders on two-wheelers which have engine capacity lower than 100 cc.

(Photo: Roshni Balaji/The Quint)

Feroz, a tailor from Jayanagar in South Bengaluru, lives with his family of four. His family doesn’t own a car, all they have is a 100cc motorcycle. He knows it is illegal, but if an entire family must move around, all four must fit on one motorcycle.

Feroz is far from alone. Low-cost motorcycles are essential to middle class aspirations across the country.

This is not true in the case of just Feroz. Considering elements like convenience and affordability, two-wheelers have been a mirror to middle class aspirations over the years.

The government has implemented the ban based on a 2015 Karnataka High Court order.(Photo: Roshni Balaji/The Quint)

Decoding the Provisions of the Ban

Based on a 2015 Karnataka High Court order, the government has banned pillion riders on two-wheelers with an engine capacity of less than 100cc. As per the rule, auto manufacturers are prohibited from creating a provision for pillion riders in 100 cc motorcycles. Pillion riding is not permitted even on vehicles that are already registered.

Manohar, a mechanic in South Bengaluru, is concerned about the safety of his daughters due to the ban.(Photo: Roshni Balaji/The Quint)

Ban to Affect the Aspirations of Many

The average price of a 125 cc motorcycle is Rs 50,000. Most middle-class families do not have the financial capacity to buy a moped with a high engine capacity.

My 100 cc motorcycle itself cost me Rs 35,000. I cannot afford to buy an additional vehicle. I have been managing all these years since at least two of my family members could travel on the moped. I am unable to think of an alternative now.

Vijay, a tea-stall owner

Since the time the ban has come into effect, Manohar, a mechanic in South Bengaluru, is concerned about the safety of his daughters. “My daughters Shalini and Sehal have been riding a moped to college covering a distance of 40 kilometres every day. I didn’t have to be worried about their safety all these days since both of them rode together. But now, since the ban has been implemented, I am worried. My monthly income is menial and it is not possible for me to pay for an auto or a cab every day,” said Manohar.

The state government has initiated the move based on a 2015 High Court Order. (Photo: Roshni Balaji/The Quint)

Government Justifies the Ban

The ban has been implemented in the backdrop of a previous case in which a minor pillion rider was crippled for life following a road accident in Mysuru in March, 2009. A circular about the new rule has already been issued to heads of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

We have implemented the ban since pillion riders are often victims of road accidents. Besides, if more than one person is accommodated on a 100 cc vehicle, it will lead to overloading.

Section Official, Karnataka Transport Department

The move will affect lakhs of commuters across the state. The ban will have a significant implication on affordability and accessibility of transport for common folk.

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