highway access 結果共3筆

Explore the push for highway access by heavy motorcycle enthusiasts in Taiwan, who rallied for rights despite legal hurdles and public opposition. Learn about the proposed pilot program and the government’s stance on this issue.

Scores of heavy motorcycles surrounded the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in Taipei on Sunday afternoon, demanding the immediate implementation of laws allowing large motorcycles access to highways. The protest, organized by groups such as the Republic of China Motorcycle Industry Promotion Association and the Taiwan Motorcycle Riders Association (TMRA), aimed to voice discontent with current traffic regulations. The bikers’ demands included immediate access to highways, permission to park in designated spaces, and the abolition of Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules. The movement’s initiators criticized the MOTC for stalling, pointing 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 Highways Bureau’s lackluster response, highlighting the discrepancy between government policies and the desires of the biking community. Protest leaders claimed that 70% of the populace is unaware that the regulation allowing motorbikes on highways has already passed the third reading. They argued that the department’s polling does not reflect public opinion and questioned the legitimacy of basing policies on a single survey. Traffic advocacy groups have long emphasized the need for large motorcycles to have the freedom to choose between car or motorcycle parking spots. Despite recent responses from the Highway Bureau considering trials with some local governments, groups argue that central government intervention is necessary for a uniform solution to parking regulations.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has stated that there is currently no timetable for a decision on whether heavy motorcycles should be allowed on the highway, due to the lack of consensus on the matter. A local motorcycle organization plans to protest outside the MOTC on November 26, with over 5,000 heavy motorcycles and tens of thousands of people participating. MTOC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai has expressed that the current situation is not yet suitable for heavy motorcycles on highways, as the behavior of riders could cause disturbances. Additionally, a poll shows that around 60% of the population is opposed to the idea, further highlighting the lack of consensus.