Weeks after bicycles were used to plant explosives in Ahmedabad, licensing and registration may soon become mandatory for those who purchase and use the humble two-wheelers in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Monday approved its elected representatives’ demand to undertake licensing of individual bicycles under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Right from the Malegaon blasts to Jaipur, Bangalore and Ahmedabad, bicycles have been a common element in terror attacks. Shiv Sena corporator Yashwant Jadhav tabled a notice of motion in the General Body Meeting of the BMC which was approved by Mayor Shubha Raul. “Since cycles do not have number plates, registration numbers or any production make number, it becomes difficult for investigators to get a lead in blast cases where cycles are used for planting bombs,” Jadhav said.

“Any measure that helps the police in investigation is welcome. We will have to look at the proposal in detail before we comment on this,” said Hemant Karkare, Joint Commissioner of Police (Anti-Terrorist Squad).

In Mumbai, all vehicles including those pulled by animals require licensing. The cycle is the only mode of transport that does not require any registration or licensing, making it an easy option for terrorists.

The Mumbai police welcomed the move too. “It’s definitely a good move. This will help set the trail and get some accountability. In an extreme scenario, this will help the investigating agencies with good links,” said Rakesh Maria, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) who was instrumental in cracking the 1993 serial blasts conspiracy.

Municipal Commissioner Jairaj Phatak will now give his recommendations on the demand before seeking an amendment in the Motor Vehicles Act.

According to senior investigating agencies, in the Malegaon investigation, the police could track down two suspects based on a number inscribed on the handles of the cycle. Those cycles having been newly purchased, the agency could reach the suspect since the number of stores selling bicycles was relatively smaller in the small town. That’s where licensing cycles could help in a metro like Mumbai, police said.