A biker, though without helmet, wears a mask on a dusty and windy day in the port city on Wednesday. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/express
Capital City Police Officer Mian Saeed has announced the introduction of online registration and verification for bike riders in Peshawar. A new app, SafeRide, has been launched to track riders working with delivery and ride-sharing services such as Foodpanda, Bykea, and Indrive.
This system aims to ensure that both private and informal sector bike riders can be identified, promoting safety. Riders would have to register with their local police stations.
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Registrations will begin in the coming weeks, with bike riders receiving a QR code sticker once they’re registered.
In the first year, the program will be rolled out in Peshawar. In the following year, it will expand to nearby cities such as Mardan, Sawabi, and Charsadda.
Capital City Police Officer Saeed explained that the initiative is essential in tackling the rise of street crime, as some criminals have been impersonating delivery riders to rob customers, while legitimate riders have been targeted for theft by passengers.
According to the police, more than 70 incidents have taken place surrounding 34 of the police stations present there. These include mobile snatchings and motorcycle theft, with the highest number of incidents amongst Bykea riders.
Police officials say that SafeRide will enable them to collect accurate data on bike riders and their operating locations through enhanced verification processes.
There are currently no penalties for failing to register, but bike riders are warned that if they fail to comply, their helmets may be confiscated, and they can face fines.
