Transport and Police Join Forces to Curb Motorcycle Deaths

The Department of Transport has announced its intention to work closely with the Belize Police Department to increase enforcement and policing efforts across the country. The move comes as part of a broader national strategy to address growing concerns about motorcycle safety and reckless riding practices. According to official statistics, of the 108 road deaths recorded in 2024, 50 involved motorcyclists, a figure that has raised alarms within the Ministry of Transport and among the Belizean public. Motorcycles, once seen as a convenient and affordable mode of transport, have now become a significant safety concern. Citizens have voiced frustration over speeding, lack of helmets, underage riders, and poorly maintained or unregistered bikes. CEO at the Ministry of Transport, Chester Williams explained that these issues have fueled a national conversation and placed pressure on authorities to intervene.

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport: “Motorcycles certainly are an issue. I have gotten a number of complaints from citizens across this country about the noise coming from these motorcycles, the reckless nature in which they drive. I’m currently monitoring Belize City because there’s an area on the Philip Goldson Highway in Belize City I think between Bucca Shell Roundabout all the way up to Benny’s roundabout that area right in-between. What I’m being told is that almost every weekend persons on motorcycles go and run races in that area late in the evening time. And so that’s an area we’re monitoring very closely because again that’s being reckless and it needs to stop. So we’ll be working with the police to see how we can address the issue as well as the local traffic department in Belize City to see how best we can work together to mend that issue.”

The ministry is hopeful that these efforts will lead to a sharp reduction in motorcycle-related fatalities.