Heavy motorcycles became legal on Taiwan's roads on Monday, an event long awaited by bikers across the nation. But there remains a need for a thorough assessment of issues such as the ulterior motives of motorcycle manufacturers, the enthusiasm of bikers and the dangers to people on the roads.
Even though we got used to demands to allow the import of heavy motorcycles a long time ago, the question remains whether appropriate preparations have been made for road design and the protection of people on the roads. A related question is whether bad driving habits will be improved in tan-dem with the improved performance of motorcycles. Are heavy motorcycles being legalized to satisfy the desires and interests of a minority of people or does legalization perform an educational function?
Given that driving lessons for heavy motorcycles are now over-booked, the bikes are certain to be noticed once they hit the roads. The relentless marketing by motorcycle dealers and their targeting of the young and of the latter's propensity to challenge authority, seek attention and succumb to hero worship, will not only create another popular way of showing off, but at the same time it will cause the young to become intoxicated, confused and lost.
Second, dealers will also fight for market share for the less expensive models. When heavy motorcycles are combined with young people's curiosity and desire for speed, however, one can foresee that the young will do everything in their power to acquire the funds to buy, rebuild or upgrade their motorcycles, including working long hours or committing crimes.
As they open the market for motorcycle dealers, seek to satisfy bikers and endeavor to protect the lives of those on the road, the authorities must consider how to foster a new motorcycle sub-culture that would make it fashionable to avoid speeding and road racing.
When all is said and done, however, the police aren't able to deal with the current levels of reckless driving and speeding among young people. I have my doubts about the legalization of heavy motorcycles. Apart from the test required to obtain a driving license, shouldn't we also test maturity and knowledge of life, leisure and the law?
Wang Shung-ming is a professor of social welfare at Chinese Culture University.
Translated by Perry Svensson
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