Commercial Motorcyclists Call for Dialogue, Urge LNP to Release Arrested Riders

Monrovia, Liberia: A group of concerned motorcyclists in Montserrado County is calling on the Liberia National Police (LNP) to engage in dialogue rather than imposing harsh restrictions on riders, while appealing for the release of arrested motorcyclists.

The group raised concerns with LNP's action of generalizing the misconduct of some cyclists to the general population across the county, saying all motorcyclists should not be judged based on the actions of a few bad characters.

According to the concerned motorcyclists, while it is factual, there are few unscrupulous individuals in their ranks; the majority are law-abiding citizens who rely on commercial motorcycles as a primary source of income.

A collaborative approach between law enforcement apparatus and commercial motorcyclists they believe is the best way to address challenges of misconduct, which in return will help maintain peace and stability.

The appeal of the Concerned Motorcyclists comes in the wake of a recent ban imposed on commercial motorcyclists from operating in some designated parts of the city.

The ban by the Liberia National Police, as announced by Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Colonel Nelson Freeman, restricts motorcyclists from using principal streets in Montserrado County.

This restriction followed a protest by motorcyclists on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, sparked by the death of a motorcyclist in a tragic motor accident.

It can be recalled that a tragic accident occurred on the Gabriel Tucker Bridge in Central Monrovia in the early morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, which claimed the lives of a motorcyclist and a passenger after a speeding sewage tanker lost control and veered off the road.

The fatal car crash immediately ignited overwhelming outrage among motorcyclists and residents, who blame the Liberia National Police (LNP) for the growing number of checkpoints across the capital.

According to eyewitnesses on the scene of the accident, the sewage tanker was traveling from Johnson Street headed towards Bushrod Island when the operator lost control, apparently due to break failure. 

In a daring attempt to avoid further tragedy, he swerved and instead fatally smashed into the motorcycle. This situation prompted several motorcyclists to go on the rampage, removing police checkpoints and vandalizing police booths in several parts of Monrovia.

Speaking on the matter then, Colonel Freeman stated that some riders, reacting to misinformation, vandalized police checkpoints, believing the motorcyclist’s death was caused by police harassment.

This unlawful conduct, according to the Deputy Police, led to several arrests, the impoundment of motorcycles, and the subsequent announcement of restrictions on the movement of motorcycles in parts of the city.

However, the concerned motorcyclists insist that law enforcement should not take blanket action against all motorcyclists; instead, they urge the LNP to work with motorcyclists' associations to develop fair and effective solution mechanisms to incidents of such.

Concerned Motorcyclists: “We respect the work of the police, but we ask for fairness. Many of us are peaceful riders who just want to provide for our families. Instead of punishing everyone, let’s find solutions together.”

In addition, the group has appealed to the government of Liberia to support vocational training programs for motorcyclists who may want to transition from the commercial motorcycle enterprise to a more professional career path.

“We are open to discussions on improving road safety and ensuring order, but we ask the government to also consider our side. Engaging with us and providing alternatives will be more productive than restrictions alone,” the group told Knews during the weekend.

As the situation unfolds, the concerned motorcyclists remain hopeful that the LNP will reconsider its approach and open discussions with riders' representatives.

They are urging both the police and government officials to prioritize peaceful engagement and fair policies that balance security with economic realities.