The Syrian Future Movement is following up on the decision issued by the National Committee for Import and Export on December 29, 2025, which stipulates a halt to the import of all types of motorcycles effective April 1, 2026, with the exception of motorcycles imported before that date, provided they have valid legal documentation.
Given the economic and social challenges facing Syria after years of conflict, with poverty rates reaching 50% of the population and an economic contraction of 1% projected for 2025, coupled with high inflation in previous periods, the Syrian Future Movement believes that motorcycles have become an essential means of transportation for millions of Syrians, especially young people and workers in the delivery and small-scale trade sectors. However, these motorcycles have contributed to exacerbating traffic chaos, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries daily, with a hospital mortality rate of 4.2% related to severe collisions and a lack of medical care. They have also become a source of noise and environmental nuisance, with pollution emissions two to three times higher than other vehicles.
The Syrian Future Movement believes this decision is a response to these challenges, attempting to restore security and traffic control during a sensitive transitional phase. Areas like eastern Syria, under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have previously implemented nighttime curfews to curb theft, and campaigns have been launched in Damascus and Aleppo to address traffic violations. However, we believe that a complete ban could lead to a rise in the prices of existing motorcycles, harming the poor who rely on them as an affordable means of transportation. It could also increase unemployment among drivers in the informal economy by 20-30% if suitable alternatives are not provided.
The Syrian Future Movement bases its position on this issue on international scientific studies. On the one hand, the decision is supported by evidence of the dangers of motorcycles, which contribute to 40-50% of accidents in countries like Iran, with a 17% increase in accidents in Africa over the past decade and injuries reaching 52% in some countries. On the other hand, the ban reduces injuries by 20-40%, as seen in China. On the other hand, despite these risks, bicycles offer economic benefits, such as reducing traffic congestion by up to 30% and boosting employment in the informal economy by 10-20%. Therefore, the Syrian Future Movement believes the rational approach is to partially support the decision for safety reasons, but with modifications to suit the Syrian context, to avoid increasing traffic congestion by 15-20% without alternatives.
The Syrian Future Movement seeks to build the future of Syria on the foundations of unity and sustainable development, drawing on the experiences of other countries. Accordingly, we recommend a gradual implementation of the decision, with mandatory licensing, helmets, and speed bumps, as in Kenya, where accidents decreased by 20%.
As alternatives, we propose supporting the import of three-wheeled bicycles (tricycles), as in Nigeria, to improve safety by 30%, or electric bicycles to reduce pollution by 50%, as in China. Public transportation should also be improved, with the establishment of dedicated lanes to reduce injuries by 15-20%, as in OECD studies, and driver training programs to prevent unemployment.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for a comprehensive national dialogue that unites all segments of Syrian society to formulate policies that promote security without harming the poor, drawing inspiration from the spirit of the revolution to build a prosperous state. We will continue to build bridges of love and cooperation for a unified and secure Syria, where everyone contributes to a better future.
