On 14 May 2026, the Cyprus Motorcycle Rights Club (CMRC) attended the event ‘Improving the Safety of Young Drivers and Riders’ at the Traffic Education Park in Lefkosia.

The event was co-organized by the Traffic Department of the Police Headquarters and the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), within the framework of the European Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) program. The central focus was clear: how do we better protect young drivers and riders on Cyprus’ roads?

During the event, Mr. Haris Evripidou, Director of the Traffic Police Headquarters, presented the latest road accident statistics for Cyprus and outlined ongoing safety actions and priorities. Welcome addresses were delivered by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeades, and the Chief of Police, Mr. Themistos Arnautis, while additional contributions came from representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and Road Safety Ambassador Adonis Christofi of the Cyprus Motorcycle Federation (KOM). Experts from Cyprus, Greece, and the United Kingdom shared valuable perspectives on the future of road safety for younger generations.

Several important measures from the Cypriot national 2021–2030 road safety strategy were presented, including:

• Stronger legal frameworks and stricter probationary licensing systems for inexperienced drivers.
• Expanded road safety education programs addressing smartphone distraction and risky behaviour.
• Safer urban planning based on Vision Zero principles, including the implementation of 30 km/h zones.
• Continued financial support for protective motorcycle gear.
• Greater use of smart cameras and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

Motorcycling should not be associated with toxic stereotypes or irresponsible behaviour. A motorcycle is not only a symbol of freedom, it is also part of the solution to congestion and sustainable mobility in modern cities.

CMRC welcomed the recognition that road safety is a multidimensional issue. At the same time, they highlighted several areas they believe require urgent attention:

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  Real-world rider education must become a priority. Safe riding is built through practical road experience and accident prevention training, not theory alone.

• Young people should have access to proper driver education at an earlier stage, helping them develop awareness, discipline, and safer reflexes from the beginning.
• Delays in driving examinations must be reduced. Excessive bureaucracy can push young people toward illegal and uninsured driving.
• CMRC supports the idea of combined licensing opportunities for cars and low-capacity motorcycles, helping drivers better understand vulnerable road users and build mutual respect on the road.
• Road infrastructure and maintenance standards must improve. Poor repair methods and unsuitable materials create dangerous low-grip surfaces that disproportionately endanger motorcyclists.

By investing in proper education, responsible infrastructure, and mutual understanding on the road, we invest in a safer future for everyone.

Source: CMRC

Top photograph courtesy of CMRC

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