In cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America, the hum of motorcycle engines is the soundtrack of daily life. These two wheeled vehicles zip through traffic jams, carry families to school and work and deliver meals and goods in minutes. For millions in low- and middle-income countries, motorcycles are more than transportation—they’re lifelines to opportunity, independence and income.
However, behind the convenience and economic mobility lies a growing public health crisis. Every day, lives are lost or changed forever in preventable crashes, leaving lasting impacts on families and communities. In some regions, motorcycles account for the majority of vehicles—and the majority of road deaths. Motorcycle-related fatalities now account for one-third of global road deaths. In places like Indonesia, motorcycles are involved in more than 80% of road fatalities. In Bangladesh, Myanmar and Vietnam, motorcycles make up over 75% of the motorized fleet. Since 2011, global motorcycle use has surged by 175%, and with that growth, the risks have multiplied.
GHAI’s Road Safety program is working alongside civil society advocates in Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Uganda, Ukraine and Vietnam to build political will on the changing road safety landscape and urging the adoption of sustainable policy solutions to keep everyone safe on the roads. At the same time, government champions across many countries are working to build broader support for policy initiatives aimed at improving motorcycle safety and reversing the growing trend of fatalities and injuries.
Emerging Policy Pathways and Strategic Approaches
Effective road safety policies are rooted in the Safe System Approach, a holistic framework which aims to prevent crashes while anticipating inevitable human error to reduce their impact. This approach also emphasizes various modes of transportation, including walking and cycling; safe road use; infrastructure and vehicles; and responding effectively to crashes. Motorcycle safety policy solutions benefit motorcycle riders and passengers, as well as those around them, especially other vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
The motorcycle safety action agenda highlights critical insights and innovations, lessons learned and promising practices of changemakers tackling the motorcycle crisis in diverse country contexts. Promising and proven solutions to help inform and shape context-specific responses to motorcycle safety challenges include:
Leverage Proven Policy Solutions for Greater Impact: Strengthen and scale what works—helmet laws, speed regulations, vehicle standards—and close the gaps that undermine safety.
Mitigate Risks for Young Riders and Minimize Harm for Children: Children and teens face heightened risk on motorcycles. Tailored policies and education can safeguard their futures.
Regulate Motorcycle-based Transportation and Delivery Industries: As ride-hailing and delivery services boom, so must regulations that protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Employ a Multi-Sectoral Approach to Motorcycle Safety: Shape coordinated responses across government agencies and engage stakeholders to create comprehensive safety solutions.
Expand Evidence and Learning: Invest in data, research and emerging technologies to anticipate future trends and respond to immediate needs.
A future where motorcycles do not exact such a devastating human cost is possible. With this action agenda, GHAI seeks to further catalyze momentum for charting a broader, more responsive approach to resolving this crisis. Drawing from emerging innovations and proven practices, policymakers throughout low- and middle-income countries can take steps to reverse the trend and make roads safer. The path ahead may be challenging, but the destination is clear: sustainable policies, safer roads, stronger communities and more lives saved.
Read the Motorcycle Safety Action Agenda in Spanish here.
The Mexican Safe Mobility Coalition, along with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator’s (GHAI) Road Safety team, gathered in Morelia, Mexico for the Second Encounter of the Safe Mobility Coalition uniting the coalition's members and partners. It was a powerful demonstration of collaboration and dedication to advancing road safety policies in Mexico. With over 400 participants representing 27 of Mexico's 32 states, there was a significant 400% increase in attendance compared to last year, showcasing the growing momentum and commitment to saving lives on Mexico’s roads.
