TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Groups of heavy motorcycle riders held rallies at seven highway service stations across Taiwan on Sunday (Sept. 8), calling on the government to permit heavy motorcycles to access Taiwan’s national highway system.
The Highway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) promptly rejected the motorcyclists' proposal. It said the public has been surveyed repeatedly, and data from 11 surveys suggest that over 60% of the public is not in favor of the motorcyclists’ demands, reported UDN.
Despite the MOTC's refusal to reconsider the matter, they said they will prepare for another survey in 2025. When public opinion changes in favor of heavy motorcycles being given access to the national highways, then the MOTC will move the matter forward.
Some heavy cyclists called the MOTC’s survey results biased and not a credible indication of public sentiment. The debate over restrictions on heavy cyclists using the national highways has been ongoing for years, with motorcycle organizations making similar demands each year.
In addition to calls for access to the highway system, the bikers want the government to ease restrictions on where heavy bikes can park, and make it legal to maneuver more like four-wheel vehicles on Taiwan’s roads. They would like heavy bikes to be able to use the inner lane on two-lane roads, and make left turns in the same manner as cars and buses, rather than perform the two-stage left turn as scooters are required.
At a press conference at the Shiding Service Area in New Taipei, a spokesperson for the group noted that in 2011, the government passed legislation which called for heavy cycles to be given access to certain national highways on a trial basis. However, more than 12 years later, all national highways remain restricted to heavy cycles, according to UDN.
The MOTC responded that the law in question gives the MOTC the authority to determine which portions of the highway shall be made accessible and the ability to limit access to certain vehicle types to ensure public safety.
