By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The President of the Merged Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia (M-FOMTUL), Mr. John Kenyor, is giving the government a big thumbs-up for placing restrictions on commercial motorcyclists in central Monrovia. According to him, the decision is already paying off with a sharp drop in traffic accidents involving bikes.
Speaking at the usual Tuesday MICAT press briefing—where the government also launched a major empowerment program for motorcyclists—Mr. Kenyor said banning bikes from busy city streets has made a big difference in how safe Monrovia’s roads are today.
“At least with the ban in place, we’ve seen a big drop in the number of bike accidents,” he said. “People are no longer dying the way they used to, and that tells us the policy is working.”
He pointed out that since the ban took effect in March 2025, there’s been a noticeable improvement in traffic flow and fewer cases of reckless driving. The policy restricts bike operations in heavy traffic zones in Monrovia and Sinkor—areas that used to see daily chaos and frequent accidents.
Kenyor also highlighted that tricycles—or “kekehs”—are proving to be a more organized and safer option for transportation in these areas. He said the union is committed to working with the government to make sure tricycle drivers are well-trained, law-abiding, and focused on passenger safety.
“Look, the issue is not just removing bikes from the streets,” Kenyor stressed. “It’s about making our roads safe and professional. We’re tired of seeing people dying because of reckless riding.”
He added that data from the Liberia National Police (LNP) Traffic Division shows a clear decline in motorcycle-related crashes since the enforcement began, even though official numbers haven’t been released. But police and citizens alike are noticing the change.
Still, not everyone is happy. Some bike riders and city residents say the ban is too harsh, especially for those who depend on motorcycling to make a living or to get around. They’re calling for regulation—not exclusion.
But Kenyor believes there’s a better path ahead. He encouraged all bike riders to shift their focus and prepare for something better, especially with the new empowerment program the government has launched.
“This training program is not just about taking you off the streets—it’s about putting you on the path to something more sustainable,” he said. “You may not all be called in at once, but the program will reach everybody step by step.”
He challenged riders to take the opportunity seriously, urging them to choose safety, discipline, and professional growth.
“Our roads must be safe for everyone,” he emphasized. “We cannot keep ignoring the disorder. This is our chance to change that.”
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