Motorcycle use has grown rapidly across Latin America and the Caribbean, becoming an important means of transport and source of employment for millions of people. At the same time, motorcycle fatalities have increased across the region, even as deaths among some other road user groups have declined. Young people are disproportionately affected, with road traffic injuries remaining the leading cause of death among those aged 5–29 years. In many countries, weaknesses in licensing systems, inconsistent helmet regulations, limited enforcement, and inadequate speed management continue to expose young riders to preventable risks. 

This project aims to strengthen motorcycle safety for young riders in Mexico (Jalisco), Honduras, El Salvador, Peru, and Jamaica by supporting improvements in licensing regulations, helmet legislation, and speed management policies. Implemented by YOURS, PAHO, and WRI in partnership with national authorities, the initiative responds to priorities identified by governments and road safety stakeholders across the region and builds on ongoing efforts to improve the safety of powered two-wheeler users. 

The project will support participating countries to assess existing regulatory frameworks and identify opportunities to strengthen motorcycle safety legislation and enforcement. Country-specific policy proposals will be developed through technical reviews, stakeholder consultations, comparative analysis, and engagement with young riders. Areas of focus include licensing systems, rider training requirements, helmet legislation and standards, and speed management measures that can help reduce deaths and serious injuries among motorcyclists. 

To support implementation, the project will develop national roadmaps that outline priority actions for strengthening motorcycle safety. These roadmaps will help governments advance reforms related to licensing, helmet use, and speed management while promoting greater alignment with international good practice. The project will also facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among participating countries, enabling the exchange of experiences and lessons learned across the region. 

A core component of the initiative is strengthening government capacity to engage young people in road safety policymaking and implementation. Through training and collaboration with youth organizations, government officials will be better equipped to develop and promote measures that respond to the realities faced by young riders. By combining policy reform, institutional capacity building, and youth participation, the project seeks to support safer motorcycle use and contribute to reducing deaths and serious injuries among young riders across Latin America and the Caribbean.