Govt Crackdown on Motorcycles In Monrovia Leaves Citizens Stranded
By: Jeremiah Sackie Cooper Gmail:jeremiahcooper105@gmail.com
Monrovia: Early Wednesday Morning, May 15, 2024, several residents of Monrovia and its environs were seen plying streets on foot as a means of getting to their respective destinations.
This is as a result of the Government of Liberia’s traffic restrictions, stoping thousands of motorcycles that have not met the new requirements of entering the Liberian capital, causing huge demand and commotion for commercial transport.
The new regulations imposed by the Liberian government requires every motorcycle entering the City to be registered, licensed, with both driver and passenger wearing helmets, and reflective jackets; having operational license, motorcycles with two installed view mirrors and rider wearing a sneaker or shoes.
This is aimed at addressing safety concerns and regulating the flow of traffic within the city limit.
However, the decision has sparked an unintended crisis, leaving numerous residents stranded and reliant on foot travel.
The new regulations, enforced with immediate effect, have significantly limited the operation of motorcycles, popularly known as “motor bikes” in key areas of Monrovia.
This has disrupted the daily routines of many citizens who heavily rely on motorcycles to commute.
Several residents expressed frustration over the sudden restriction, highlighting the challenges they now face in navigating the city.
“I used to rely on motorcycles to get to school on time. Now, I have to walk long distance, which is not only inconvenient but also exhausting,” James Kollie, a student attending the University of Liberia added.
The blanket restriction has left many questioning the adequacy of alternative transportation options and the lack of proper consultation with affected citizens.
As residents commuting to and fro Monrovia grapple with the implications of the motorcycle ban, there is a pressing call for authorities to devise more inclusive solutions that consider the needs of all citizens while addressing traffic management concerns.
