Motorbikes and motorized bikes banned in Guangzhou, China

A rich city in southern China, Guangzhou bans motorbikes and motorized bikes, effective today, with a view to stemming the spiraling crime wave. Many of the thefts, purse-snatching and muggings are committed by gangs on motorbikes and motorized bikes.

But would the ban be able to stem the crime wave? Obviously not. With motorbikes and motorized bikes banned, the gangs will only resort to other means. The root of the crime problem lies at a widening gap between the rich and the poor. As long as the problem is not addressed, no banning of this or other can lead to a safer city.

On the other hand, the ban would only create difficulties for the citizens in the city. Those not rich, reliant on motorbikes/motorized bikes rather than cars for transport/delivery, would be the victims. So would be the local businesses which produce motorbikes/motorized bikes.

A Guangzhou businesswoman is taking the case to court, hoping the government can reverse its order and hence her business can be saved from bankruptcy. But most likely the China court, still lacking its independence, will not bring justice to the woman.

You probably realize now what it means to do business in China - it is a venture full of risks. For you never know what the government regulations will be – it can ban or support certain activities at a whim, and in a short notice. I am glad that I have retracted from this dangerous game.