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Parliament Rejects Motion on Motorcycle Courier Issues Amidst Safety Concerns
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Turkey /Elections & Politics

Parliament Rejects Motion on Motorcycle Courier Issues Amidst Safety Concerns

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A proposal by Turkey's main opposition party, CHP, to investigate the issues faced by motorcycle couriers was rejected by the ruling AKP and MHP parties.
  • CHP highlighted insecure working conditions, rising work-related deaths, and traffic safety concerns, calling for legislative reform.
  • The ruling parties cited increased helmet use and road safety investments, while CHP and IYI Party detailed issues like low pay, high commissions, and significant upfront costs for couriers.

A parliamentary motion by Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) to investigate the challenges faced by motorcycle couriers was rejected in the Grand National Assembly. Opposition parties had urged for comprehensive legal reforms, drawing attention to precarious working conditions, an increase in fatal accidents, and traffic safety issues affecting delivery riders.

Motorcyclists are facing a serious struggle for life.

โ€” Serkan SarฤฑCHP Balฤฑkesir Deputy Serkan Sarฤฑ describing the risks faced by motorcycle riders in Turkey.

CHP Balฤฑkesir Deputy Serkan Sarฤฑ presented the motion, noting the rapid rise in motorcycle use in Turkey, which now constitutes about 28% of registered vehicles. He emphasized that while motorcycles are essential for many for work and daily life, riders face significant risks due to inadequate safety measures. Sarฤฑ cited that over 6,000 people died in traffic accidents last year, with around 1,300 being motorcycle riders. He called for recognizing motorcyclists' equal rights on the road and urged other drivers to be more aware of blind spots and safe distances.

Sarฤฑ also criticized the current driver training as insufficient, advocating for the inclusion of advanced riding techniques and proper following distances. He pointed out infrastructure flaws, such as manhole covers, slippery road markings, and gravel left from roadworks, as major hazards for motorcyclists. Additionally, he argued for adjusting speed limits to suit motorcycle specifications and improving working conditions for delivery couriers, stating, "Our traffic couriers' workplace is the road," emphasizing the need for their safety.

The workplace of our traffic couriers is the road.

โ€” Serkan SarฤฑCHP Deputy Serkan Sarฤฑ emphasizing the need for safety measures for delivery riders.

Representing the IYI Party, ฤฐzmir Deputy Hรผsmen Kฤฑrkpฤฑnar echoed these concerns, relaying issues from the ฤฐzmir Couriers Federation. He highlighted low wages, high commission rates, rising fuel costs, and job insecurity. Kฤฑrkpฤฑnar noted that a motorcycle courier must invest approximately 300,000 Turkish Lira for a motorcycle, necessary licenses, and equipment to start working, underscoring the significant financial burden on these workers.

They have to invest about 300,000 lira, including the motorcycle, P1 and SRC documents, MYK certificate, and equipment, to start working.

โ€” Hรผsmen KฤฑrkpฤฑnarฤฐYฤฐ Party Deputy Hรผsmen Kฤฑrkpฤฑnar detailing the significant upfront costs for motorcycle couriers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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