The measure, announced since January 2025, is now in effect. Starting this Thursday, May 15, motorcycles and tricycles are no longer allowed to travel on the main axis of Houphouët-Boigny Boulevard (formerly VGE) in Abidjan. A decision justified by the desire to reduce road accidents, but which has caused incomprehension among many users.
Since this Thursday morning, patrols from the special police for road safety have been visible at all intersections of Houphouët-Boigny Boulevard, supported by other units of the national police. The objective is to enforce the ban on the circulation of two- and three-wheeled vehicles on this major artery connecting several communes of Abidjan, including Marcory, Treichville, and Koumassi.
While traffic signs have been installed for several weeks and several awareness campaigns have been conducted, this day of May 15 marks the beginning of the repressive phase. Any violation is now punished by the immediate seizure of the vehicle, which is sent to the impound lot.
According to figures provided by the Ministry of Transport, more than a hundred motorcycles have been seized in just a few hours. The Director General of Land Transport specified that these measures aim to combat road insecurity. “Between 2023 and 2024, more than 25 people lost their lives on Houphouët-Boigny Boulevard in accidents involving two- or three-wheeled vehicles,” he recalled.
Users Caught Off Guard or Misled
Despite the communication campaigns, many drivers say they were not clearly informed. Several testimonies collected on site report confusion.
“I was never aware. Was the awareness campaign on TV? I don’t even have a TV at home,” lamented a motorcyclist from Gonzagueville.
“The GPS directed me to this route. I didn’t know it was forbidden,” said another, surprised to be fined.
For the many delivery drivers and couriers, the economic impact is immediate. Some say they cannot work today, unable to take their usual route. “We live by the motorcycle. If we are forbidden to pass here, what do we do?” asked a young delivery driver.
But for the Ministry of Transport, it’s a different story. It insists that the measure is not new. It was announced as early as January 2025, with several meetings organized with delivery companies, courier unions, and transport platforms.
“Everyone was warned. We continue to raise awareness, but we must also protect human life,” emphasized a ministry official.
Motorcycle and tricycle drivers must now take the slip roads along the main axis, from the Abou-Soin intersection (Treichville) to the old Koumassi intersection. Alternative routes have been arranged to bypass the boulevard.
“Houphouët-Boigny Boulevard is not closed to traffic. It is simply forbidden to certain types of vehicles for safety reasons,” a police officer on site reminded.
While the first sanctions are severe, the authorities want to be firm but educational. “The police cannot be present 24/7. But those who persist in breaking the law will have their vehicles confiscated. We call on everyone to be responsible,” said a ministry spokesperson.