Motorcyclists Try to Rev Against New Rules, But Protest Runs Out of Gas

A planned protest against proposed motorcycle regulations went ahead in Belize City on Sunday, but the demonstration drew little public attention despite weeks of heated debate.

Riders voiced frustration over the proposed $300 training fee and new licensing rules for motorcycle owners and operators. 

Two of the most outspoken critics of the Ministry of Transport’s plan, Jose Luis Uc Espat and Sylvia Waight, had called on riders nationwide to gather at Memorial Park at 2 p.m. They urged motorcyclists to oppose the mandatory training requirement, which they described as nothing more than a “hustle”.

Espat and Waight argued that the programme is unnecessary and financially burdensome. They instead put forward their own recommendations, which they say would improve road safety without placing extra costs on riders.

Despite the attention it got beforehand, the protest itself passed largely unnoticed, with just over 20 motorcyclists turning out.

Speaking to News Five, Waight said she appreciated the riders who did attend but expressed disappointment in those who did not follow through. “I am disappointed in those who gave their word that they would attend and didn’t show up,” she said.

She added that she was unsure if the low turnout was due to the proximity of the Christmas holiday. “We didn’t have the support we expected,” she explained. Still, Waight insisted, “We made a point.”

The protest came on a weekend when the government announced a GST break in preparation for the holiday season.