TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Scores of heavy motorcycles surrounded the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 26), as various biking groups demanded the immediate implementation of laws allowing large motorcycles access to highways among other requests.
Groups such as the Republic of China Motorcycle Industry Promotion Association, Taiwan Motorcycle Rights Promotion Association, Taiwan Traffic Safety Association, and the Taiwan Motorcycle Riders Association (TMRA) orchestrated the protest. The demonstration gathered hundreds of heavy motorcycles to voice their discontent with current traffic regulations.
The bikers' list of demands included three main points: immediate access for large motorcycles to highways as per existing laws, permission to park in designated motorcycle spaces to make efficient use of space, and the abolition of Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules concerning the prohibition of motorcycles in the inner lane and the compulsory implementation of a two-stage left turn.
The movement's initiators criticize the MOTC for stalling. They point out that laws permitting heavy motorcycles on national highways were passed over a decade ago.
TMRA Secretary-General Liu Cheng-chien expressed frustration at the Highway Bureau's lackluster response to calls for resolving the discrepancy between government policies and the biking community's desires. He highlighted the bureau's repetitive denial based on a survey where only 40% of respondents agreed to open the highways to heavy motorcycles.
Protest leaders claim that 70% of the populace is unaware that the regulation allowing motorbikes on highways has already passed the third reading. They argue that the department's polling does not reflect public opinion, questioning the legitimacy of basing policies on a single survey.
For years, traffic advocacy groups have emphasized that large motorcycles should be free to choose between car or motorcycle parking spots, as long as the lines aren't crossed.
Despite recent responses from the Highway Bureau considering trials with some local governments, groups argue that this issue requires central government intervention for a uniform solution. Without this, parking regulations will continue to confuse riders across different jurisdictions.