‘Tears should not flow’: GPF condemns dangerous scooter riding practices

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is once again urging motorcyclists and pillion riders to prioritise safety and comply with road traffic regulations following the circulation of a disturbing photo showing three young men dangerously perched on a scooter moving through traffic.
The image, which has sparked public concern on social media, shows one man seated over the handlebar of the red scooter while another rides behind the driver, both visibly without helmets. The positioning defies traffic laws and basic safety practices, drawing sharp criticism from authorities.
In a public post accompanying the photo, the GPF stated: “If this is an example of road safety, then tears should not flow upon accident occurrence.”
The pointed message highlights the recklessness and risks associated with such disregard for the law.
The Police reminded the public that wearing safety helmets is mandatory for both riders and pillion passengers. Further, the prescribed seating capacity must be observed; motorcycles and scooters are not designed to transport more than two persons.
“A pillion rider should sit astride of the rider on the seat prescribed and not where this enthusiast, non-compliant individual is mounted.”, the release stated.
The Force continues to call on all road users, especially the vulnerable group of motorcyclists, to exercise greater caution and to respect traffic laws designed to protect them.
This warning comes more amid growing concern over road fatalities involving motorcyclists. President Irfaan Ali recently revealed that 43 per cent of road deaths recorded in 2025 so far involve motorcyclists, with a staggering 72 per cent of those victims found not wearing helmets.
These figures have triggered strong appeals from both the President and the GPF for greater caution and personal responsibility on the roadways.
The data also shows that while overall road deaths dropped from 145 in 2023 to 102 in 2024, motorcyclists continue to represent the most vulnerable group. Men and individuals in the high-risk 25 to 42 age category recorded notable declines in fatalities, but unsafe practices—especially among motorcyclists—remain a major concern.
Adding to the challenges, the GPF highlighted a dangerous trend on social media where individuals have begun running in front of radar speed signs to test their sprinting speed. This practice, often carried out in groups and sometimes at night, has raised safety risks, especially in poorly lit areas. The authorities stressed that these radar signs are meant for monitoring traffic speed, not athletic performance, and urged the public to use appropriate spaces like tracks and fields for such activities.
In efforts to reduce reckless driving, the Government recently launched the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), which includes an e-ticketing system. The system, which uses radar speed cameras to automatically detect violations such as speeding and seatbelt breaches, has already shown promising results. Within the first 12 hours of its launch, hundreds of violations were recorded, but the daily average has since dropped significantly, indicating improved compliance.
Penalties for traffic violations remain in effect. Speeding or using a mobile phone while driving carries a $7,500 fine. First-time offenders who fail to wear seatbelts are fined $7,500, with repeat offenders fined $10,000. Dangerous driving attracts fines ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, and can result in licence suspension.
To ensure transparency, the GPF has introduced a feature on its website that allows drivers to track the status of their tickets using either the ticket number, their taxpayer identification number, or vehicle registration. The system is designed to be fully automated, eliminating human interference and promoting fairness in enforcement. Motorists can also use the MMG platform to pay their fines and will soon be able to use the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) “Padna” app to manage violations.
With plans underway to expand the e-ticketing system, the Government is also preparing a national public awareness campaign. The initiative aims to educate citizens about the importance of road safety, explain how the system works, and provide guidance on how to respond to issued tickets.