Minister of Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon. Kye Rymer spoke to the biking community in a live forum held yesterday afternoon.
The Minister and the Government of the Virgin Islands are pushing the message of safety first as the recent bike curfew provoked a conversation in the Territory.
Many viewers of the forum asked questions like “Why can’t the necessary laws be enforced?” “Why not just enforce the laws instead of punishing a whole class of people?”
A female caller offered some sound words of advice during the live forum. She expressed her views on the lack enforcement of traffic laws for riders by the Royal Virgin Police Force.
She said “One of the things I think we have evaded in the conversation is the responsibility of the police and the enforcement that is needed by the police. Yes, the parents have a responsibility. Yes, the government enacts the laws but we also need law enforcement to enforce the rules.”
The caller also said “We have the laws, we enforce them and we spread the message. It will connect. But we cannot look at restrictions before we look at solutions.”
The general public is calling on the police to do more to enforce scooter traffic laws. The callers suggested roadblocks as a way to capture and deter offenders.
Hon. Kye Rymer agreed with the caller and said “the enforcement needs to play a bigger role in terms of making the laws actually meaningful.”
He further said “we have the restrictions in place now and I am still seeing scooter beyond that time. Is it that the law enforcers are not paying attention?”
Minister Rymer said “this is a conversation they will have with law enforcement.”
The License and Registration Drive
Minister Rymer said that the Government is aiming to license 300 or more illegal bikes this month.
The Department of Motor Vehicles are now hosting a licensing and registration drive for all motorcyclists. This will be taking place for the entire month of June from Monday – Friday, 9:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.
No appointment necessary! A speedy service in a dedicated line just for motorcyclist!
