Costa Rica is finally cracking down on the wild west of bicimotos, those motorized bicycles that have been cruising the streets like they own the place. If you’re one of the thousands who rely on these two-wheeled wonders, buckle up (or, more appropriately, helmet up), because the rules are about to get real.
New Rules for Bicimotos: License, Registration, and More
Starting soon, all bicimoto riders will need to follow the same rules as motorcyclists. According to a report from the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Cosevi), which got the green light on July 17, 2023, the days of freewheeling through traffic with no license, no registration, and no technical inspections are over.
Roy Rojas Vargas, Cosevi’s project manager, explained that these changes won’t happen overnight. The Cosevi board has approved the recommendations and directed the executive team to start working with various organizations to implement the new regulations.
The New Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need if you’re planning to ride a bicimoto:
- Driver’s License: Yes, even for those under 50cc.
- Vehicle Registration: Your bicimoto will need to be registered with the National Registry.
- Marchamo (Mandatory Insurance): Just like any other vehicle on the road.
- Technical Inspections: Regular checks to ensure your ride is roadworthy.
No More DIY Motorized Bicycles
In a move that will likely anger many delivery drivers and DIY enthusiasts, the Cosevi report explicitly bans bicycles that have been retrofitted with a combustion engine. These homemade contraptions are no longer welcome on public roads. The reasoning? There are no regulations governing their use, making them a safety hazard.
Implementation and Enforcement
The transition to these new rules will be gradual. Cosevi will set up working groups with the entities responsible for issuing licenses, conducting technical inspections, and managing vehicle registrations. They aim to make this shift “in a reasonable time” to ensure everyone can comply.
Why the Crackdown?
According to the Cosevi report, this move is about more than just bringing order to chaos. It’s also about safety and the environment. Unregulated bicimotos have been involved in numerous accidents and have been cited for noise and air pollution.
The Environmental and Safety Concerns
Noise and Air Pollution: The Ministry of Environment and Energy supports the regulation, noting that two-stroke engines, common in many bicimotos, are significant polluters. If unregulated, these vehicles could hinder Costa Rica’s carbon footprint reduction goals.
Safety Issues: The National Learning Institute highlighted that bicycles are not designed to handle the speeds that motorized versions can reach, often resulting in mechanical failures. The Red Cross has reported an increase in accidents involving bicimotos, particularly in regions like Pococí, Puntarenas, the northern zone, and Guanacaste.
Real-World Impact
In a study, the Traffic Police intercepted 10 of these vehicles and found widespread issues, including gas leaks and electrical problems. Noise levels ranged from 96 to 110 decibels, well above the legal limit. These issues pose serious risks to public health and safety.
What Happens Next?
Cosevi plans to roll out these regulations gradually. The Traffic Police will begin enforcing the new rules, ensuring that all bicimotos on the road meet safety and environmental standards. Only conventional bicycles and electrically assisted bicycles are exempt from these new requirements.
Costa Rica’s move to regulate bicimotos is a significant step towards improving road safety and environmental health. While it may be an adjustment for many, the long-term benefits are clear. Riders will need to gear up and get their paperwork in order, but in the end, everyone will be better off.
