Chinese Manufacturers Urge Looser Motorcycle Restrictions
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers has called on city governments to relax motorcycle bans, arguing that easing restrictions could cut congestion and boost the market.
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) has appealed to municipal authorities across China to ease restrictions on motorcycles, claiming that current policies are stifling the market and worsening urban congestion.
Li Bin, secretary general of CAAM’s motorcycle division, raised the issue at an industry summit, according to Chinese media reports. He pointed out that while China is the world’s largest motorcycle producer, many cities have imposed bans or severe limitations on motorcycle use within urban areas. These restrictions, Li said, are unique to China and are not mandated by the central or provincial governments, but rather by local authorities.
Restrictions and their impact
Motorcycle bans in Chinese cities have been justified by local officials on safety grounds, with authorities citing accident rates and concerns about road order. In practice, these restrictions have led to motorcycles being barred from city centres or major roads in dozens of large urban areas. CAAM argues that this approach ignores international research and the potential benefits of motorcycles in reducing traffic congestion.
Li referenced European studies suggesting that shifting just a fraction of car drivers to motorcycles could sharply reduce congestion. He also cited CAAM’s own tests on Beijing roads, which found motorcycles to be the fastest mode of transport compared to cars and public transport. The association is now supplying foreign research to officials in an effort to persuade them to reconsider current policies.
Safety and education debate
While safety remains the main justification for restrictions, CAAM maintains that the key factor in accident rates is driver behaviour, not the type of vehicle. The association has called for improved traffic education and enforcement rather than blanket bans on motorcycles. Li Bin argued that with proper regulation and rider training, motorcycles can safely share urban roads with cars and other vehicles.
The push for policy change comes as China’s motorcycle industry faces a shrinking domestic market, even as car sales continue to rise. Many manufacturers see the urban restrictions as a major barrier to growth and are lobbying for a more open approach. CAAM’s campaign aims to convince local authorities that motorcycles can play a positive role in urban mobility if managed appropriately.
What could change for manufacturers and riders
If restrictions are eased, manufacturers could see renewed demand in the domestic market, which has been constrained by urban bans. Riders would gain greater freedom to use motorcycles for commuting and deliveries, potentially reducing travel times and easing pressure on public transport. For city authorities, the challenge remains balancing safety concerns with the potential benefits of a more diverse urban transport mix.
