In Bangladesh, motorcycles are now not just a hobby or luxury vehicle; rather motorcycles now have become an essential element of daily transportation, profession, business, and time-saving for millions of people. Especially for the young generation people, employees, freelancers, delivery riders, and ordinary people in rural areas, motorcycles now have become an affordable and effective private vehicle. However, the reality is that, the use of motorcycles in Bangladesh still faces various difficulties, limitations, and discrimination. So, today's discussion is about various difficulties of using motorcycles in Bangladesh.

Difficulties of Using Motorcycles in Bangladesh

As a smart and convenient vehicle, the use of motorcycles is familiar all over the world. Its use is worth mentioning, especially from underdeveloped to developing countries even in many developed countries. However, like many countries with average standard of living in the world, the need and popularity of motorcycles is repetitively increasing here due to the heavy traffic congestion, insufficient and scary public transportation systems, and the need of fast mobility.

But while the number of motorcycle users is increasing day by day, at the policy-making level, motorcycles are still considered a “risky vehicle” rather than a “convenient and necessary means of transportation” in many cases. Consequently, our riders constantly deal with high taxes, complicated paperwork processes, discriminatory laws, unsafe roads, fuel shortages, and many other problems. So, here we’re focusing on the difficulties of using motorcycles in Bangladesh.

Road Safety and Infrastructure Issues

Bangladesh's road system is still not motorcycle-friendly and most of the roads do not have separate lanes or minimum lane system. Moreover, the potholes, broken sections, unplanned speed breakers, accumulation of sand or mud, and inadequate street lighting make riding a motorcycle more risky. Due to the small wheels, motorcycles are more susceptible to these problems than other vehicles.

Besides, the reckless movement of buses, trucks, and large vehicles create a great risk for motorcycle riders. Sometimes, drivers of large vehicles show a kind of negligence or aggressive attitude towards motorcycles and motorcycle riders. And then locally invented risky vehicles full of iron junks, old rickshaws, and battery-powered three-wheelers altogether make unbearable disasters on the roads. Thus, our public roads are a kind of death trap for motorcycle riders.

Unusually High Price of Motorcycles

The price of motorcycles in Bangladesh is very unusual compared to many other Asian countries, including neighboring countries, and is also much higher than the international market. The same model of bike is sold with an unusually high price in Bangladesh compared to neighboring countries.

The reasons behind this are high import duty, regulatory duty, VAT, and other taxes. Consequently, it becomes difficult for people in many middle-class families to buy a good quality motorcycle. That’s why an ordinary job holder needs to spent a few years of savings even to buy a simple 150cc or 160cc bike, which is really unbearable.

High Import Taxes and Policy Complications

In Bangladesh, motorcycles are still considered as a luxury product, but in reality, they are now a necessary vehicle for common people. High import taxes not only increase the motorcycle price, but also make the prices higher for spare parts, safety gear, and performance parts. As a result, many of the users are forced to use low-quality products or parts, which pose a threat to safety and also durability.

Complicated Registration and Documentation Process

In Bangladesh, the entire process of motorcycle registration, name change, tax token, fitness, digital number plate, or driving license card - all in all, is still harassing and very awkward. Although a few online services are introduced, in reality, in many cases, users have to wait long, rush, and rely on the middlemen. Thus, the entire process becomes confusing, harassing, and time-consuming, especially for new users.

Discriminatory Laws and Regulations

In Bangladesh, motorcycles and motorcyclists are often considered for severe restrictions. So, restricting motorcycle traffic during important social times, banning it on bridges or expressways, or imposing sudden restrictions is very common. In many cases, motorcycle riders are treated more harshly for the same traffic offense. Some policies also sketch motorcycles as a source of trouble rather than an alternative to public transportation.

Government's Negative Attitude Towards Motorcycles

Motorcycles are often singled out for blame for road accidents in this country. Although in reality, road management, weak law enforcement, irregularities in large vehicles and infrastructure problems are major causes. But motorcycles are often used as an easy target in various policy discussions. As a result, punitive decisions are more common than improved riding training, safe infrastructure or awareness-raising.

Lack Of Quality Service and Technical Support

The motorcycle market size in Bangladesh is quite large, but the quality service centers are still not available everywhere in the country. In many districts, it is difficult to find skilled mechanics, modern diagnostic facilities, or genuine parts support. Besides, the after-sales service of many operating brands also is not good enough. Consequently, users have to unwillingly rely on inexperienced mechanics, which impacts both the durability and safety of the bike.

Problems With Fuel Quality and Availability

There always have questions about fuel quality in Bangladesh for a long time. Low-quality octane or petrol not only reduces the performance of the engine, but also increases the damage in the long run. Especially modern motorcycles with high-compression characteristics or fuel injection systems are more dependent on good quality fuel. Moreover, availability of quality fuel in many places is also a big challenge.

Sudden Increase in Government Fees and Duties

In Bangladesh, motorcycle taxes, registration fees, renewal fees, or other charges are suddenly increased by the government. Even the government does not discuss with anyone or conduct a social survey before such increment. This suddenly tax or free increment puts ordinary users under huge financial pressure. As a result, motorcycle users and sellers in this country have to keep the sudden financial pressure in mind.

Parking Crisis and Theft Risk

Safe parking is a big problem almost everywhere in Bangladesh. Most offices, markets, or residential areas in this country do not have adequate motorcycle parking zone. Hence, due to lack of security, incidents of motorcycle theft or theft of parts also occur. As a result, riders have to rely on additional locks, GPS trackers, or other security measures that is always embarrassing.

Lack of Quality Riding Training

Most people in Bangladesh learn to ride motorcycles without any formal training. Many of the riders do not have adequate knowledge of proper braking, cornering, defensive riding or highway safety manners. If improved training systems were made available and affordable for the riders, the accidents could be significantly reduced and also could the negative attitudes towards motorcycling.

High Cost of Safety Gear

In Bangladesh, cost of good quality helmets, riding jackets, gloves, boots or other safety gear is much high. Due to high taxes and a limited market, international quality safety gear remains out of reach for many riders. Therefore, many riders in Bangladesh ride with low-quality helmets or inadequate safety gears.

Social Attitudes and Negative Perceptions

A large segment of the society and government in this country still consider motorcycles as a risky or reckless vehicle for young people. Hence, even responsible riders often face negative perceptions from them. In reality, proper training, safe riding, and improved infrastructure, etc. can make motorcycles an effective, fuel-efficient, and time-saving mode of transportation in this country.

So, we can say, motorcycles in Bangladesh are no longer a luxury item, but they are necessity for common people. These days, they are creating job opportunity, saving time, and considered as an effective alternative to the weak public transportation system. But the reality is that motorcycle users are still neglected in the eyes of society and the government.

On the other hand, if the government takes a realistic approach on motorcycles and their users, formulates motorcycle-friendly policies, builds safe infrastructure, and emphasizes training and awareness, then motorcycle and motorcycle riders can play effective role in the country's public transportation system.