Tensions are rising between commercial motorcyclists and the Liberia National Police over the continued enforcement of the controversial “No Go Zone” policy, which prohibits motorcycle taxis from operating on major roads in Monrovia. The Supreme Motorcyclists Association, led by its vocal president Trokon Gray, popularly known as “Yellow Machine,” has declared its intention to defy the ban.
At a fiery press conference earlier this week, Gray pledged a forceful return to the streets.“By fire, by thunder, by force, we are coming back on the main roads,” he said defiantly. “No Go Zone or not, we will ride.
”The association has announced plans to collaborate with the Social Transport Advocacy Network for Development (STANDs) to organize a mass protest in the coming weeks, aiming to pressure authorities into lifting what they describe as an “illegal” and “oppressive” ban.
The group’s resistance comes amid growing frustration within the riding community. While police officials, including John Kanyor, have touted a significant drop in road accidents as justification for the policy, Gray dismissed such claims. He warned Kanyor to stop speaking on behalf of motorcyclists, many of whom, he said, are struggling under economic pressure caused by the ban.“Thousands of riders are out of work. School fees can’t be paid, families are starving,” Gray said. “This isn’t about road safety, it’s about control.
”The dispute reignited following a fatal accident on February 19, 2025, when a sewage tanker lost control on the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, killing a motorcyclist and his passenger. Eyewitnesses blamed traffic congestion caused by a police checkpoint for the crash, which has since intensified calls for the reassessment of road safety enforcement strategies.
“The truck driver swerved to avoid crashing into cars backed up by the checkpoint,” said one witness. “He hit the bike instead. It could’ve been anyone.”The truck driver was arrested, and the victims were rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, but neither survived. The tragedy has galvanized motorcyclists and residents alike, who accuse the police of creating more chaos than control with excessive roadblocks.
“There’s no war in this country, yet police checkpoints are everywhere, even in residential areas,” said a frustrated resident. “These unnecessary roadblocks are making our roads unsafe.”The Motorcyclists and Tricyclists Union of Liberia has since joined the chorus of criticism. In an official statement, the union condemned the blanket ban, calling it economically destructive and socially unjust.
“Commercial motorcycles and tricycles provide one of the most affordable and accessible modes of transportation in Monrovia,” the union emphasized. “Banning us will severely impact mobility and plunge thousands into economic hardship.
”According to the union, over 350,000 Liberians depend on commercial riding for income, using earnings to support families, pay tuition, and fuel local businesses. They argue that punishing all riders for the actions of a few is neither just nor sustainable.
“We urge the government to prosecute those who break the law instead of imposing a blanket ban on an entire workforce,” the union concluded.Here’s a fully rewritten version of the news story, paraphrased and rephrased in a clear and professional tone:
