[Just Bob]

Those crazy Uzbekis...

EURASIA INSIGHT

UZBEK AUTHORITIES TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE SECURITY IN CAPITAL
Esmer Islamov 5/16/05


In recent weeks Uzbek authorities have implemented seemingly bizarre new traffic rules in the capital Tashkent, including a ban on the riding of motorcycles in the city center. The rules are a reflection of President Islam Karimov’s growing preoccupation with security, some local observers say. Such concern on Karimov’s part is being fueled by the March revolution in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, and it is doubtless being exacerbated by the recent violence in Uzbekistan’s portion of the Ferghana Valley.

.....Lacking any documentary basis for their action, police officers have reportedly offered explanations that the ban is designed to improve traffic safety because, in the words of one police officer, "according to statistics, motorcyclists often cause road accidents."

.....a high-ranking Interior Ministry officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that officials are concerned that high-performance motorcycles could be used in a potential assassination attempt against top officials, including President Islam Karimov, or be used in some other sort of anti-government action.

"Motorcycles are much more appropriate for an assassination than cars," said the police colonel. "They are more maneuverable, capable of jumping over barriers, and easier to hide. They are good to attack and then escape riding along the labyrinth of narrow streets and paths among residential buildings. Police officers with their [Daewoo] Nexia cars would have no chance of catching attackers.".....


Well, I guess we cancel the cruise through Tashkent... isson

 

[749er]

It's time like these that we should thank our lucky stars we are in the good old USA!

 

[Smitty]

During the days of the prime of Brit bikes there was this registration number that went on the top of the front of the front mudguard. They looked so silly up there that we al,in North America,l removed them, but that is how the slang came in a "Pedestrian Slicers".LOL

 

[Süsser Tod]

That is pretty much the situation here in Mexico City, they blamed motorcycles for the insecurity, and now we are banned from highways.

Fortunately, the motorcyclists have joined forces to confornt the goverment about all the BS we have been put through, and it is likely that within a couple of weeks the ban against motorcycles will be part of the past.

 

[mikem317]

Police officers with their [Daewoo] Nexia cars would have no chance of catching attackers.".....

They wouldn't be able to catch me running in sandels, shacked, w/ a straight-jacket w/ a Daewoo Nexia. WTF? Why are they using Daewoos? Why don't they just get a much of Kias... :lao :lao :lao

 

[ZxHunteR]

HAHAHA

riiiiiiiight

 

[King Cobra]

It is a good precaution to take against squids. The Uzbek people shouldn't be riding their bikes in the center of Tashkent.