Mumbai biker’s death: Riders share experiences of near misses on shoddy roads, in traffic snarls

Mumbai bikers said that though the monsoon is a good time to hit the road and enjoy the cool weather, potholes pose a major issue

Bandra resident Jagruti Viraj Hogale, 34, died on Sunday after she swerved to avoid a pothole and was crushed under a truck. This prompted Mumbai riders to share their own harrowing experiences, saying poorly managed traffic and shoddy streets are all too common.

Bandra resident Jagruti Viraj Hogale, 34, was an avid biker and had gone on trips to Leh and Ladakh. (HT)

“Jagruti’s death was not a rare incident,” said Urvashi Patole, founder of the Bikerni Motorcycle Club.

Patole said riders are often thrown off their bikes owing to potholes. They injure themselves frequently, especially during the monsoon, she added.

“There are many accident-prone zones in Mumbai. One such route in Palghar is infamous for such accidents. There is another one in Thane on the road leading towards Airoli,” she said.

Bikers said that though the monsoon is a good time to hit the road and enjoy the cool weather, potholes pose a major issue. Sharmishta Chakravorty, co-founder of Musafir Motorcycle club, said the Goods and Services Tax should be spent on making roads safer.

After Jagruti’s death, police registered a case under section 304 (a) (negligent driving) of the Indian Penal Code against her, saying she should have shown better judgement.

Chakravorty said the city’s space crunch was another hassle. “Congestion is a major issue. A dedicated lane for bikers would be helpful,” she said.