Parents urged to stay alert as kids ride bikes and e-scooters on Ajman roads

Ajman Police have issued a fresh advisory to parents, cautioning them about the serious dangers associated with children riding bicycles and electric scooters on public roads or weaving between moving vehicles. The warning comes amid growing concerns over child safety and repeated observations of unsafe riding practices across the emirate.

Authorities stressed that bicycles and e-scooters are not meant to be used in non-designated areas such as busy streets, intersections, or roadways shared with cars. Allowing children to use these modes of transport in such environments significantly increases the likelihood of traffic accidents, potentially resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. These actions not only put young riders at risk but also endanger motorists, pedestrians, and other road users.

To reinforce the message, Ajman Police released a video compilation showing several instances of children riding bicycles and electric scooters dangerously close to moving vehicles. The footage captures scenes from residential neighbourhoods as well, highlighting that even streets near homes are not free from risk. In some clips, very young children can be seen riding small bicycles designed for their age group—equipment typically intended for indoor use or controlled outdoor environments such as parks and designated cycling tracks.

Officials emphasized that residential areas are often mistakenly perceived as safe zones. However, the presence of vehicles, delivery traffic, and distracted drivers means accidents can occur at any time. The police described the behaviour shown in the video as extremely hazardous and warned that a moment of negligence could lead to irreversible consequences.

The advisory was issued as part of Ajman Police’s ongoing “Be Careful” awareness campaign, which focuses on preventing accidents and promoting responsible behaviour among families and communities. Parents were urged to remain actively involved in supervising their children and to ensure that bicycles and e-scooters are only used in approved, secure locations. According to the police, a child’s safety begins at home, with consistent guidance, monitoring, and education provided by parents and guardians.

“Children’s safety is a shared responsibility that starts with awareness, family supervision, and cooperation from the entire community,” the authority stated, calling on parents to set clear boundaries and lead by example when it comes to road safety.

The reminder follows a series of tragic incidents across the UAE involving young riders. Last year, a 12-year-old boy lost his life in Fujairah’s Al Faseel area after his bicycle collided with a vehicle. The driver involved was arrested at the scene and later referred to public prosecution as investigations continued.

Earlier this year, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed another heartbreaking incident when two girls, aged 14 and 15, were killed after a car struck the motorcycle they were riding on an internal road. Police investigations revealed that the vehicle hit the bike from behind, with distracted driving identified as the primary cause of the crash. The 37-year-old driver was arrested, and authorities reiterated that inattentive driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal road accidents in the country.

According to official figures, distracted driving accounts for nearly 25 per cent of all road deaths in the UAE. Motorists found guilty of this offence face a fine of Dh800 and four black points on their driving record, underscoring the seriousness with which traffic authorities treat such violations.

In another tragic case in February, a 15-year-old Indian student and promising badminton player died following an e-scooter accident near Al Nahda, close to Zulekha Hospital. The incident once again raised questions about the safety of e-scooters when used outside regulated areas and without proper supervision.

In response to rising concerns, Ajman Police took firm action on August 15 by banning the use of electric scooters of all types on public roads throughout the emirate. The decision was aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring that such vehicles are restricted to areas where they can be operated safely.

Other emirates have also stepped up enforcement efforts. In Dubai, authorities launched a specialised unit earlier this year to monitor and address violations committed by cyclists and e-scooter riders. The initiative reflects closer cooperation between Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), focusing on improving compliance with traffic laws and enhancing overall road safety.

Through these combined measures, police across the UAE hope to reduce preventable accidents and reinforce the message that safety—especially for children—requires constant attention. Authorities continue to urge parents to play an active role in protecting young riders by ensuring they understand traffic rules and use bicycles and e-scooters only in safe, designated spaces.