KINGSTON, Jamaica — Motorcyclists are being reminded that under the new Road Traffic Act they are required to have a valid rider’s licence to use the road.

Motorcyclists account for 35 or 26 per cent of the 135 people killed in 121 fatal crashes since the start of the year.

Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Motorcycle Fatalities Reduction Strategist at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Community Engagement Lead for the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC), District Constable (DC) Marlon Fletcher, said amendments to the Road Traffic Act have removed a long-standing provision that allowed motorcyclists to operate with only a learner’s permit.