Since Monday, August 15th, Regulation 02-16 of the General Directorate for National Transports (DGTT) came into effect for bikes.
This states that motorcycle taxis (motoconchos) have to wear a reflective vest bearing the registration number of the vehicle.
Furthermore, both the driver and passenger have to wear a safety helmet.
The motoconcho can also carry only one passenger.
The bike must be in good condition.
Individuals may only carry relatives or friends or acquaintances from August 15 but have to apply for a special permit for this.
According to the police, 80% of street robberies are committed from a bike with the passenger committing the robbery and then quickly jumps back on the waiting bike and escapes.
Bikers also cause a lot of traffic accidents.
A journalist from Costa Norte TV asked several motoconchos in Sosúa for their opinion on this new regulation.
Family concho
Pedro Fana, Junior Sebastian and Juan Ulloa said that this would mean the end of their job.
They bring students from La Union to El Batey in Sosúa and then transport always two, sometimes three students at a time.
For one passenger such a ride on the bike is much too expensive.
Their income would thereby reduce at least by half.
