Controversy Over Big Bikes' Right of Way and Access to Highways

Whether big bikes (heavy motorcycles) should be granted the same rights of way as regular cars and be allowed on highways has always been a perpetually hot topic on Taiwanese transportation forums. Big bike groups and supporters emphasize that these motorcycles already pay the same taxes as cars under current regulations, and their displacement and performance fully meet highway driving standards. They argue that 'give us back our right of way' is a basic right in a society governed by law, and that other countries have mature experiences with big bikes on highways. The actions of a few rule-breakers should not be an excuse to revoke the rights of the entire group. However, opponents and many car drivers strongly question this, citing Taiwan's extremely high highway traffic volume and generally poor driving habits. They argue that if a big bike has an accident at high speed, the cost in casualties would be extremely high. Furthermore, the behavior of some big bike riders 'using their right-of-way advantage to weave through traffic and overtake' on regular roads is deeply ingrained, leading to a public lack of trust in their law-abiding attitude. The tug-of-war between fairness of right-of-way and road safety ensures that discussions between the two sides are always filled with tension.