Turkey's Interior Ministry launches 2026-27 Motorcycle Safety Action Plan

The Turkish Interior Ministry, under Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, issued a 2026‑2027 Motorcycle Inspection Action Plan aimed at cutting the high number of motorcycle‑related traffic accidents. The plan cites that motorcycles accounted for 14.1% of all vehicles in 2019 and are projected to reach 21.3% by 2026, representing 7.3 million of the country’s 34.7 million vehicles. Between 1 January and 8 July 2024, 138,833 traffic accidents were recorded nationwide, of which 69,131 involved motorcycles.

Key measures include creating special "waiting zones" for motorcycles at traffic lights in busy intersections to improve visibility, piloting a controlled lane‑sharing system in selected provinces, stricter enforcement against illegal motor‑bike modifications, and campaigns promoting the use of ABS brakes and reflective equipment. The plan is structured around one purpose, four targets and 34 performance indicators, and will be carried out by 25 cooperating agencies.

Implementation will involve research, the preparation of technical guidelines, and monitoring of pilot results, with the broader goal of fostering a safer riding culture and reducing injuries and fatalities among the growing number of motorcyclists in Turkey.