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Safer roads before bigger bikes – CoP Matthews

- said education is also key
It is currently illegal to have a motorbike above 125 CC in the Virgin Islands; however, there have been calls by bike owners and dealers for the ban to be lifted. Photo: VINO/File
Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews, left, is of the opinion Government must make roads safer and ensure education takes place before legalising the introduction of larger CC motorcycles in the territory. Photo: VINO/File
Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews, left, is of the opinion Government must make roads safer and ensure education takes place before legalising the introduction of larger CC motorcycles in the territory. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced on April 2, 2019 in the House of Assembly (HoA) that larger bikes will be legalised in the territory but under strict regulations.Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced on April 2, 2019 in the House of Assembly (HoA) that larger bikes will be legalised in the territory but under strict regulations.Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Commissioner of Police, Michael B. Matthews is of the opinion, the Government must make roads safer and ensure education takes place before legalising the introduction of larger CC motorcycles in the territory.

It is currently illegal to have a motorbike above 125 CC in the territory; however, there have been calls by bike owners and dealers for the ban on larger bikes to be lifted.

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced early last month that larger bikes will be legalised in the territory but under strict regulations.

“We are also pleased to announce that we are approving the usage of jet skis and certain size bikes with policies to allow for proper monitoring to help boost our tourism product, and create new business opportunities for our people,” Premier Fahie said in his Budget Address in the House of Assembly on April 2, 2019.

On Friday, May 3, 2019, while a guest on the JTV Big Story feature with host Cathy O. Richards, Mr Matthews made his opinion known on the matter of legalising larger bikes in the territory.

Safer roads & education first 

“If we are going to do this, and that’s a matter completely for the House of Assembly to decide, but if we are going to do this, my advice is first and foremost we have to have safer roads. This means they have got to be looked after better, because we still have some major challenges there.”

Commissioner Matthews said he is aware Government has a plan in place to start repairing roads and this should be executed before introducing larger bikes on the roads.

“Let’s get the roads safe then let’s get a comprehensive educational programme together with the upgrading of motorcycles," he said. 

“What it wouldn’t stop, I can absolutely guarantee you, for those watching this programme, remember this comment, this will not stop young unqualified riders from getting on a 600cc motorcycle trying to do a wheelie and killing themselves. It’s going to happen, it’s an inevitability.”

According to Mr Matthews, one has to respect the fact that there is equally an amount of people who want to safely ride motorcycles, “so we have to educate, educate, educate and educate to make sure that our youngsters the dangers and the power that will bring.”

I am not agreeing to everything - Matthews 

Mr Matthews also said he was flattered that the new government has seen it fit to extend his tenure at the helm of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) for another two years.

He noted, however, he remains impartial to party or politics, “Shows that they have confidence in me going forward but that does not mean I am going to agree with everything that is put out by the new government. I am completely impartial, I am neutral and non-political.”

According to Commissioner Matthews, he has been in discussion with the Transportation Minister Hon Kye M. Rhymer (R7) on a number of ideas since his taking up office and while some of those ideas have since been released publicly, more is yet to come.

“When I am asked any advice I don’t 'poo poo' around it. I logically say what genuine concerns I may have.”

18 Responses to “Safer roads before bigger bikes – CoP Matthews”

  • Yesss! (06/05/2019, 09:10) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Well said Commissioner. It will be irresponsible to bring in bigger motorbikes into the territory without fixing our road.
  • WHAT!!!! (06/05/2019, 09:23) Like (38) Dislike (4) Reply
    How about not bringing in bigger bikes until those using the smaller ones A ride responsibly B obey the law C wear helmets as per law D put proper mufflers on their bikes so they dont disturb peoples peace wherever they ride.
    • Mr Shovels (06/05/2019, 11:18) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Natural selection will sort out those that choose to ride like an idiot on a bigger bike. Unfortunately, you can't outlaw stupidity
  • Hit the nail on the head (06/05/2019, 09:56) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    I agree with you CoP about better roads, but not with the govt and bigger bikes as that expands the existing problems of scooters accidents, hospital bills, and rising auto and health insurance premiums because these scooters are not insured and riders cannot pay for the hospital bills nor damaged caused to vehicles, other persons and properties. It would help CoP, if you would release publicly on VINO the accident statistics caused by scooters from inception to 2018. Pleeeeaaassssseeee.
  • biker (06/05/2019, 10:45) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    If these motor cycles with larger than 125cc engines are legalized then maybe there should be some age restrictions for the owner/operators of the larger motor cycles. Something like engines under 125cc for ages 18 to 30, 126-250cc for ages 31-40 and over 250cc for persons over 41.
    • Educate yourself (06/05/2019, 14:41) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
      You just calling numbers just go educate yourself from making yourself seem small minded! You have to be a old man to ride a 250cc, jokes
    • Biker boy (09/05/2019, 19:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      U is a dumb a** n**** 41 and up really .so now we need to be a grandfather to ride a bike .damn u people are such low life damn!!!

  • qc (06/05/2019, 11:00) Like (5) Dislike (18) Reply
    this commissioner talk to much
  • Bunk (06/05/2019, 14:51) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
    I ride on these roads everyday and from an actual motorcyclist perspective, they are good enough. Lets not forget our roads were recently refreshed. Seems to me like he's just trying to stall progress.
    • Remember (07/05/2019, 06:56) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      The roads here aren’t even suitable for cars to drive on. We have to admit our roads are horrible
  • Rasta Live (06/05/2019, 15:32) Like (10) Dislike (15) Reply
    why everyone comes to BVI and tells us what we as a people can or can not do if his department can not get traffic regulated that is Matthews problems what is his update on arm crimes and outdated killings in the territory let commissioner focus on those very serious crimes that his department can not get control
  • wise up (06/05/2019, 18:03) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The bigger bikes is a terrible idea. Happy bout the jet skis tho. Hope them young punks don't spoil it for us mature folks.
  • The watchman (06/05/2019, 22:26) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let’s get it straight over 125cc is not illegal for there is no law banning them. Customs has an ordinance not to import any more motorcycles over 125cc. Tell Mathews go sidung! There are folks with motorcycles over 125cc before the ordinance that can license their motorcycles and have their motorcycles licensed because they have their T12 before the ordinance. FACTS!
  • E. Leonard (07/05/2019, 03:29) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Undoubtedly, unsafe, dangerous and hazardous road conditions contributes to accidents. What contribute to unsafe roads? Poorly designed, constructed and maintained roads can result in unsafe and dangerous conditions. For safer, higher quality, longer lasting......etc roads, a new road programme, standards.......etc are needed, ie, thicker crosssection, better subgrade, subbase and base prep, better drainage, higher quality material.......etc. The new programme must include more effective design, construction, and maintenance. For example, though most of the VI is hilly terrain (Anegada being the exception), many of the roads are too steep, placing enormous and continuous stress on transmissions, brakes.......etc. Ideally, to reduce the steepness, the roads should be designed in a long, winding manner with more effective horizontal and vertical curves......etc. BVI taxpayers should expect a better/higher return on its road investment. A properly designed and constructed BVI road with proper and periodic maintenance should have a minimum lifecycle of 10-15 years. Particular attention should paid to proper drainage; poor drainage is a major contributing cause of premature road failure. A public education and outreach programme on roadway use for drivers/operators is a worthwhile effort. What size motorbikes???
  • RealPol (07/05/2019, 15:59) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Comish need to avoid even the appearance that he is wading into local politics. The Comish and the RVIPF must be neutral. He is an awakward position; he is policing the local community but he is paid by local taxpayers and does not work directly for the local government. He works for the Governor. Typically, one is loyal to who one works for. I’m not saying that the Comish is disloyal to the community. Police needs to be an item on the constitutional review. The RVIPF primary role is to enforce the laws of the territory, investigate complaints, and conduct investigations. The Comish should discuss any policy changes, budget, facility needs......etc behind the scene. He should avoid the appearance that he is a media w......e.
  • Rasta Live (08/05/2019, 13:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    have you been in Road Town during the so called rush hour and not one traffic cop on duty the traffic is a mess mike needs to fix that a number of people driving uninsured and without permission to drive mike need to fix that run the department of police let the legislators do their job


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