On October 28, 2014, the China Files portal published an article “China and its war on motorcycles” comparing the use of motorcycles in China and Latin America. China decided on drastic measures and had excellent results.

“Congested traffic in the capitals of Latin America has turned the motorcycle into an increasingly visible transportation alternative on their streets. Faster and more economical than cars, these vehicles have become attractive to the popular strata of Latin America who also consider switching from public transport to buying a motorcycle a social advance.

The case of Guangzhou is illustrative. In 1997, it is estimated that there were about 800,000 motorcycles in the city, a large part of which were unregistered and represented a problem not only in traffic, but also in the security of the city. Criminal groups terrorized citizens on motorcycles to rob them of their belongings and attack them with stones or knives if they resisted.

After years of unsuccessful measures, finally in 2004 the local government decided on a strategy that combined movement restrictions in certain areas, investments in public transport and disposal of motorcycles older than 10 years. For the next three years, the measure was tightened, until on January 1, 2007, the traffic of motorcycles in urban areas was completely prohibited.

Many motorcycles have been replaced by electric motorcycles or e-bikes, the lower speed of which significantly reduces the possibility of being involved in fatal accidents and being used by criminals. Although the measure sparked resistance at the time, today there is a broad consensus that the city has improved. Even Jeremy Hamilton, a representative of the motorcycle association China Motor Rider, admits that “in China, many drivers have fake licenses and often cause accidents. Therefore, restricting motorcycle traffic in certain parts of the city contributed to the improvement of traffic conditions.”

The Chinese diagnosed the problem and enacted measures they deemed appropriate for their context; Latin American cities that have this problem should do the same.

In conclusion, there are many tools. The only thing that cannot happen anymore is that city authorities in Latin America continue to watch indifferently as the favorite means of transportation becomes the one that will condemn thousands of young people to death.

In our country, on June 8, 2022, the National Transport Agency (ATM) established that only one person can ride a motorcycle, unless accompanied by a woman, a minor or an elderly person.

According to statistics, 30% of crimes are committed in Pichincha, 60% in Guayas and 70% in Esmeraldas with two criminals on a motorcycle.

Transport bodies of the Government and municipalities are obliged to implement this provision; Unfortunately, no one complies. (OR)