TENTION IS EXPECTED to be high in the coming weeks on the streets of Monrovia, as motorcyclists and police might get embroiled in a game of cat and mouse, due to the enforcement of a No-Go-Zone for motorcycles in parts of Monrovia. This is predictable because in the past, restricting the movement of commercial motorcyclists sparked controversy due to its impact on the livelihoods of many unemployed youth.
LAST WEEK, INSPECTOR General, Col. Gregory Coleman, disclosed that consultations are being made with motorcyclesand tricyclists across Liberia, for the enforcement of a No-Go-Zone for motorcycles in central Monrovia beginning Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
COL. COLEMAN SAID the purpose of the “NO GO ZONE” restriction for motorcyclists in Monrovia is to maintain good traffic flow and address safety issues. He stated that safety issues in Liberia pose a significant challenge, particularly on cross-walls and pedestrian crossings.
OBVIOUSLY, WE CONCUR with this step by the government as we too believe that amid the manageable significance of motorcycles to the public, it poses more risks and inconveniences. With this, we venerate the crackdown and strongly hope that it is fully implemented.
MOTORCYCLES ARE ESSENTIAL for fast transportation and anyone who wants to avoid the West African capital’s traffic jams but it poses a threat to road safety. Therefore, we believe the government’s decision is apt to enhance public safety and reduce accidents in densely populated areas.
WE BELIEVE IT will help to minimize traffic congestion and improve the overall flow of vehicles on the roads. This will also lead to a more efficient transportation system and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by overcrowding.
MOREOVER, THE NO-GO-ZONE for motorcycles will contribute to a safer environment for pedestrians and other road users. As we have seen in recent times, motorcyclists don’t regard traffic lights, crosswalks, one-way, and even the sidewalk. So, we believe that by limiting the presence of motorcycles in certain areas, the government is taking a significant step towards creating a safer and more secure urban space for all residents.
SIMILAR DECISIONS TO restrict commercial motorcycles in urban areas have been implemented in other parts of West Africa, including Nigeria and Ghana. These measures have been successful in addressing the challenges posed by reckless motorcycle riders and improving road safety in congested cities. With this, we believe Liberia too can do the same.
OVER THE WEEKEND, aggrieved motorcyclists took to the Streets of Monrovia, to rally the government to reconsider its decision on restricting their movement in certain parts of the city. According to them, they suffered to vote for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai; their payback cannot push them into willful joblessness, as Boakai’s administration has not taken any significant steps in addressing unemployment in the country.
THOUGH SOME RESPONSIBLE gentlemen use motorcycling to sustain their families, many young men have also abandoned school and gotten involved with plying informally for trade (Without driving education). This has also led to many of them having homes at an early age because it (Motorcycle) pays. However, the fastest-moving transportation means in Liberia has also led to the death of hundreds of young Liberians through avoidable accidents.
AT SOME POINT, many believed that there was a need for training than the restriction method.
Howbeit, several trainings have been conducted for motorcyclists in Liberia but their threats to public safety remain high. This has gotten more alarming as they have also been used for criminal and other unorthodox operations.
CONSIDERING ALL OF the above mentioned, we strongly support the government of Liberia’s decision to enforce a No-Go-Zone for motorcycles in parts of Monrovia. Though it has not been clearly stated as to what might happen excluding confiscation of the motorbike when seen in those areas that have been considered as “NO GO ZONE”, we also recommend that they are fined.
MOREOVER, WE HOPE that in time to come, the government will consider placing a restriction on the importation of motorcycles in Liberia. We see this as a permanent remedy to curbing or completely bring an end to the proliferation of motorcycles in Liberia and the risks that it comes with.
