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