Chennai: Ten people, including six juveniles, were apprehended around midnight on Saturday for racing bikes on Vadapalani 100 Feet Road and endangering motorists. Police seized five high-end motorcycles.Police said the group was intercepted after one of the speeding motorcycles came dangerously close to a two-wheeler ridden by Kumar, who was travelling with his wife and children. Kumar lost control of the vehicle and they suffered injuries after falling down.As more motorcycles sped along the stretch, members of the public alerted traffic police. Koyambedu traffic personnel rushed to the spot and, with the help of passers-by, intercepted several riders near the MMDA signal. While some managed to flee, police caught 10 people and handed them over to the Anna Nagar Traffic Investigation Wing, as the incident occurred within Arumbakkam police station limits.The four adults nabbed were identified as Adithya, 23, of Theni; Rahul, 27, of Chengalpet; Kumar, 28; and Senthamizh Selvan, 20.Police said the group had formed a WhatsApp group to organise bike races and had assembled at Vadapalani before speeding along the 100 Feet Road to Koyambedu. Police found that some members rode ahead to check for police presence before signalling others to begin the race.Motorists said such races posed a serious threat to road users, particularly on busy stretches during peak hours. Residents said the problem becomes more pronounced on weekend nights, when groups of youngsters gather on modified motorcycles and race on relatively empty stretches of the road.“They suddenly accelerate and squeeze through between vehicles. Other motorists get very little time to react,” said Aravind, a regular commuter. Another resident said sustained patrols and checks at locations where such riders gather were needed to prevent a serious accident.
