DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Last week, journalist Ines Aizpun recalled how the motorcyclist violations got started decades ago when writing her opinion column for the Diario Libre.

She explained that decades ago, police looked the other way and allowed a family to board a motorbike. She wrote: Two adults, two kids, and a birthday cake balanced on a motorbike—it was once a scene that could even draw a smile. Yes, it was unsafe and illegal, but who could say no to a birthday celebration? Those were different times. Those were different riders.

Back then, running a red light was unthinkable. Later, doing it in front of a traffic officer was unimaginable. But gradually, what was once shocking became routine. Not normal, just common.

She highlighted: Today, the violations come in packs: riding against traffic, overtaking on the right, speeding down sidewalks, reckless stunts, knocking off side mirrors — and the list keeps growing. One by one, these offenses have crept into everyday life, gaining quiet...