The Ministry of Transport says it will modify, but not remove, the mandatory motorcycle training requirement, following national debate on the issue. CEO Chester Williams explained that while the Ministry understands public concerns, the training program is crucial to improving safety on Belize’s roads.
He emphasized that governance sometimes requires difficult choices and that the Ministry cannot reverse measures designed to prevent further loss of life. With motorcycle fatalities rising sharply in recent years, he said the country “cannot continue to lose young people to preventable accidents.”
To ease the burden on long-time riders, the Ministry is proposing a tiered approach. Riders with five years or more of clean riding history will only need a short refresher on traffic rules and safe motorcycle operation. Only new riders and those with less experience will be required to take the full 30-hour course.
The CEO also announced that the Ministry is partnering with Belize’s cycling community to help shape the training curriculum and establish a roster of qualified trainers. Meetings with cycling clubs begin this week to finalize recommendations.
He said the Ministry’s goal is to develop a system that balances safety, fairness, and practicality while addressing the concerns of the public.
