Why Doesn't Chongqing Ban Motorcycles?

[EdenFitz]

Chongqing does not ban motorcycles for the following reasons: Economic Source: Chongqing is a motorcycle hub. Well-known industries such as Zongshen, Lifan, and Loncin are based in Chongqing. The city produces one-third of the total number of motorcycles in China. Topography: Chongqing has a very unique terrain, with mountainous areas accounting for 76% of the city, hills for 17%, and plains only 2%. In such terrain, driving a car would be highly impractical. Motorcycles, on the other hand, offer significant advantages—they are not only labor-saving but also highly efficient for commuting. City Management: Motorcycle riders must carry their driver's license and safety gear at all times, are limited to carrying a maximum of two people, must drive on the right side of the road throughout, and are prohibited from street racing.

[VanBentley]

As a longtime Chongqing resident, I must say motorcycles here are as common as eating and drinking. Just think about the city's terrain – all those slopes and hills make driving a car frustrating, while motorcycles can easily navigate those curves. On my daily commute, motorcycles are essential where bus routes are scarce. Even in heavy rain, they keep going – incredibly convenient. If the government banned them, public transportation would be overwhelmed since coverage is incomplete, and residents in remote areas would suffer even more. Then there's cultural habit – Chongqing has had motorcycle manufacturing since last century, people are accustomed to riding them and can't change overnight. I think the current policy is quite smart: restricting some main roads but not imposing a complete ban maintains both safety and convenience.

[McArthur]

From the perspective of transportation planning, motorcycles are practically indispensable in Chongqing. Our mountainous terrain here is unique, with narrow roads and steep slopes, making car traffic inefficient. Motorcycles, with their flexibility, can fill many transportation gaps. A complete ban would cause significant commuting difficulties, especially for low-income groups who rely on them for livelihoods, such as food delivery and business runners. The government has weighed the options—implementing a full ban could trigger public protests and worsen traffic congestion. Instead, it's better to invest in improving public transport while maintaining motorcycles' transitional role. Moreover, Chongqing has a historically strong motorcycle industry, and a ban could impact the local economy. Traffic restriction policies are more suited to current practical needs.

[Judah]

I've been riding motorcycles for over a decade, and in this city, it's an absolute necessity. Every morning when rushing to work through narrow alleys, nothing beats a motorcycle—especially on hills where it delivers ample power while being fuel-efficient. The government probably hasn't banned them because they recognize how many ordinary people like me rely on them for livelihood and transport, especially where buses don't reach. When heavy rain delays public transit, my bike gets me to the factory on time. A sudden ban would make life much harder, doubling both time costs and expenses. Thankfully, no such policy exists.