As from last January, car drivers have been able to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125cc without having to obtain an additional licence.  The government believes that motorcycles should be encouraged, especially for commuting purposes, because of their lower impact on the environment and on traffic congestion compared to the use of cars.

This is all good, but now the demand for motorcycle parking spaces has obviously increased on both islands.

Motorcyclists had already been experiencing an unsafe lack of parking spaces, and even the very few bays available are not actually legal. There have been quite a few incidents reported as a result of motorcyclists being forced to park in between cars parked within car parking bays.

I believe the authorities should provide an adequate number of clearly signposted, free, safe motorcycle solo parking bays to meet the demand.

I also believe that an effort should be made to educate both car drivers and bike riders for the safety of both. Signs should be put up to increase safety awareness on motorcycle riders.