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Dear editor,
I read with sadness that the only piece of legislation on which our political leaders seem willing to stand together; regulating electric bikes, is one which creates hardship for people who are already struggling in society. It is clear that this decision was neither driven by statistics nor analytical thought because the articles I read proudly stated that 7 deaths occurred over the past year. 7! 7 deaths involving electric bikes, yet there must have been hundreds involving the highly regulated motor vehicles. Editor, domestic violence is a plague on our society, hundreds of murders occur each year and yet we have been unable to get our government parliamentarians much less a bi-partisan group to pass dv specific legislation.
Could not one parliamentarian state that electric bikes have become a lifeline for many economically disadvantaged individuals in Guyana, providing affordable and efficient transportation options and that licensing and registration requirements will have the unintended consequences of making the process expensive and onerous for those who are already struggling.
Editor, as we strive for safer roads, we must critically examine the potential impacts and consider alternative approaches. For the economically disadvantaged who rely on these bikes for daily commutes and livelihoods, such regulations could hinder their access to employment, education, and essential services. It is crucial that our policies promote equity and mobility for all, without creating undue hardships.
Sincerely,
Carol James
Community Leader
