Since the beginning of 2026, 15 people have already been killed on Cyprus roads, and nearly half of the victims were motorcyclists. The alarming statistics were announced by Cyprus Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades following a meeting of the Road Safety Council. According to him, the situation requires urgent measures, as the number of accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles continues to increase.
Of the seven motorcyclists killed, at least four were riding without helmets. In two other cases, protective helmets were found next to the victims, which, according to police, may indicate that the equipment was not being worn while riding. In effect, most fatal accidents occurred because basic safety rules were ignored.
Against the backdrop of a growing number of motorcycles and scooters in Cyprus, authorities acknowledge that the problem is becoming systemic. This is particularly evident in major cities, including Limassol, Nicosia, and Larnaca, where two-wheeled vehicles are widely used by couriers and young riders.
Why Motorcyclists Are in a High-Risk Group
According to the traffic police, the proportion of motorcyclists among road fatalities is disproportionately high compared with the number of such vehicles on the roads. Experts attribute this not only to the absence of helmets, but also to speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and insufficient rider training.
In 2025, 45 people were killed on Cyprus roads, compared with 41 the year before. The first months of 2026 show that the negative trend is continuing. Authorities have also noted an increase in accidents involving food delivery workers and couriers using scooters and small-displacement motorcycles.
Adonis Christofides, President of the Cyprus Motorcycle Federation, emphasized that small motorcycles and mopeds are mistakenly considered less dangerous. According to him, lightweight vehicles are less stable on the road, and inexperienced riders often underestimate the risks.
What Will Change for Motorcycle Owners
The Ministry of Transport is preparing a large package of new measures. One of the main priorities will be stricter oversight of private inspection centers that test motorcycles. Mandatory roadworthiness inspections for two-wheeled vehicles were introduced in Cyprus in March 2025, but the quality of these inspections has so far been barely monitored.
Authorities intend to inspect engineering procedures and the work of inspectors. A similar campaign was previously carried out for bus companies, where serious violations were uncovered.
At the same time, the government will extend its subsidy program for protective gear. Special attention will be given to modern helmets that comply with new European safety standards. Authorities are also discussing financial support for the purchase of motorcycle airbags and for replacing older motorcycles that lack modern safety systems.
New Rules for Moped Couriers
A separate set of changes concerns delivery workers. The Cabinet of Ministers of Cyprus is preparing to approve amendments to driving license legislation that will prohibit working as a courier with a learner's permit.
The new rules will affect categories AM and A1 — mopeds up to 50 cc and motorcycles up to 125 cc. The implementation of this measure was postponed several times, but authorities now intend to enforce it fully in the coming months. The Ministry of Transport believes that professional work on public roads requires proper training and a full driving license. This is especially relevant given the rapid growth of courier services and food delivery in Cyprus.
Authorities Launch a Campaign for Foreign Residents
For the first time, a road safety awareness campaign will be conducted not only in Greek but also in English. This reflects the large number of foreign residents and workers who use motorcycles and scooters on the island.
According to the minister, authorities want to communicate key safety rules to all road users, regardless of nationality. The next meeting of the Road Safety Council will take place in one month, when the government will present specific timelines for implementing the new measures and possible additional restrictions for offenders.
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Photos: cyprus-mail.com
