The Liberia National Police (LNP) is under fire from the Motorcyclists and Tricyclists Union over its decision to designate Monrovia as a no-go zone for commercial bikers. The union has denounced the move as an opportunistic crackdown that will strip thousands of riders of their economic livelihood under the guise of addressing road safety concerns.
The dispute erupted after a tragic accident on February 19, 2025, when a speeding sewage tanker lost control on the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, killing a motorcyclist and his passenger. The fatal incident has sparked outrage, with many blaming the proliferation of police checkpoints for worsening traffic conditions and increasing the risk of accidents.
Eyewitnesses reported that the sewage tanker, traveling from Johnson Street to Bushrod Island, was moving at an excessive speed when the driver lost control. In an attempt to avoid further catastrophe, he swerved but tragically collided with the motorcyclist and his passenger. Both victims were rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, while the truck driver was taken into police custody.
Residents and commercial riders argue that the presence of a police checkpoint near the bridge played a role in the accident. They claim that traffic congestion caused by the roadblock forced the truck driver into a sudden, dangerous maneuver.
“There’s no war in this country, yet police checkpoints are everywhere—even in residential areas,” a frustrated resident said. “These unnecessary roadblocks are making our roads unsafe.”
In response to the police-imposed ban, the leadership of the Motorcyclists and Tricyclists Union condemned the decision, insisting that while some riders may have acted recklessly in reaction to the accident, punishing an entire sector is both unfair and economically damaging.
“Commercial motorcycles and tricycles provide one of the most affordable and accessible modes of transportation in Monrovia,” the union stated at a press conference. “Banning us from the capital will severely impact mobility and plunge thousands into economic hardship.”
The union stressed that more than 350,000 Liberians depend on commercial riding as a primary source of income to support their families, pay school fees, and contribute to local economies. They warned that the ban could have severe economic consequences, pushing many into unemployment.
“It would be unfair to hold all motorcyclists responsible for the misconduct of a few,” the statement read. “We urge the government to prosecute those who break the law instead of imposing a blanket ban on an entire workforce.”
The union further alleged that certain politicians were exploiting the situation for political gain, claiming lawmakers Saah Foko and Doson Sebo sought to manipulate the unrest following the accident to advance their agendas.
“We strongly believe that the actions of a few individuals were politically motivated,” the union stated. “We saw politicians attempting this tragedy to discredit our union.”
As tensions rise, the union calls for dialogue instead of unilateral restrictions. They propose a collaborative approach that includes improved traffic regulations, designated lanes for commercial bikers, and law enforcement reforms to ensure safety while protecting livelihoods.
“We are open to working with the authorities to develop a structured policy that ensures order while safeguarding our members’ rights to earn a living,” the union concluded.
