Bikers block RenAi Road in protest of regulations

Motorcyclists ride through the streets of Taipei yesterday calling for fewer restrictions on large-engined motorbikes. PHOTO: CNA

Driving-school Sam Lin owns a 1,300cc motorcycle. Though the rig possesses a cylinder capacity equivalent to that of a sedan and cost him NT$700,000 (US$2,121), Lin is required to drive in the outer lane, as is required of motorists driving motorcycles with smaller engines. He is also required to pay more in taxes for his motorcycle than if he owned a car.

In response to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications recent announcement that motorcycles with 550cc engines or larger will conditionally be permitted to operate on expressways by the end of the year, Lin said the change was not enough.

Local can forbid the operation of large-engined motorcycles on certain expressways if they believe the motorcycles would compromise traffic safety.

"They [the government] have to convince us why exceptions are made on certain expressways," he said. "Before certain expressways are determined to be unfit for large-engined motorcycles, the opinions of motorcyclists must also be taken into consideration."

Lin that owners of 1,800cc motorcycles were currently required to pay NT$30,000 in tax annually.

Lin approximately 200 other motorcyclists frustrated with what they consider to be unfair regulations affecting owners of large-engined motorcycles have taken their appeal to the streets.

They gathered in front of the ministry's offices yesterday morning and called on the government to loosen restrictions on where motorcycles can drive and reduce taxes on large-engined motorbikes.

The demonstrators, some donning biking gear such as helmets, lined up their large and by all appearances expensive motorcycles and blocked the traffic on part of Renai Rd section 1.

The motorcyclists vowed to voluntarily adhere to a strict code of self-discipline while riding their motorbikes on expressways and to respect other drivers.

Taipei City Councilor Chen Chien-ming (陳建銘) from the Taiwan Solidarity Union was present at the gathering.

Liu Shih-ming (劉士銘), section chief at the ministry's Department of Railways and Highways, said yesterday that the amendment to the Road Traffic Management and Punishment Law (道路交通管理處罰條例) would allow large-engined motorcycles to in the fast lanes on regular roads.

They would also be allowed to turn left directly from fast lanes without having to pull over to the crossing road and wait. In principle, the changes could be implemented as early as August, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, license plates will be required on the front and back of large-engined motorcycles. Operators of large-engined motorcycles will be required to observe rules applicable to sedans.

"They [motorcyclists] cannot enjoy the privileges without fulfilling the requirements," Liu said.

Some have complained about the difficulty of hanging a license plate on the front of a motorcycles.

In response, Liu said that the ministry and the National Police Agency would discuss potential alternative plans.