Human chain demands reassessment of motorcycle speed limit in capital

Motorcyclists are calling for a reconsideration of the government's decision to cap motorcycle speeds at 30 km/h within city boundaries. They've also submitted a memorandum to the BRTA Chairman outlining their demand.

A human chain under the banner of 'Bangladesh Motorcycle Community' was held in front of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) building in capital’s Banani on Sunday (May 12).

Hundreds of motorcyclists attending the human chain event expressed their view that setting the maximum speed for motorcycles in the city at 30 kilometers per hour lacks scientific basis. They also voiced concerns about potential increases in accidents due to varying speed limits for different vehicles on the same road. As a result, they are calling for a reconsideration of this decision.

Motorcyclists also said that buses and motorcycles cannot run at different speeds on the same road. The risk to the life of motorcyclists will increase as bus speed limit is higher. So they are demanding equal speed limit for all types of motor vehicles.

Recently, the Road Transport and Highways Department released guidelines for determining vehicle speeds across the country. According to these guidelines, motorcycles are restricted to a maximum speed of 30 km/h on city corporation, district sadar, and municipal roads. However, on expressways, motorcycles are permitted to travel at speeds of up to 60 km/h, while on national highways, the maximum speed allowed is 50 km/h.