Police step up motorcycle checks in new road safety campaign

Motorcyclists across Portugal can expect increased police checks this week as authorities launch a nationwide road safety campaign aimed at reducing serious accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles.

The campaign, titled Duas Rodas – Agarre-se à Vida (Two Wheels – Hold on to Life), runs from Tuesday, July 7 to Monday, July 13, and forms part of the National Enforcement Plan 2026, led by the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR) in partnership with the GNR and PSP police forces.

It is the seventh of 11 campaigns scheduled this year and the third specifically focused on motorcycles and mopeds, as a result of the high number of serious crashes involving two-wheeled vehicles.

Alongside awareness-raising activities, police will carry out targeted enforcement operations on roads where motorcycle accidents are most common, particularly in urban areas and on national roads.

According to the authorities, 34,179 injury crashes involving motorcycles or mopeds were recorded between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2025. These accidents resulted in 440 deaths, 3,041 serious injuries and 34,501 minor injuries.

Although most casualties were riders or passengers, the figures also include pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles involved in the crashes.

The campaign will focus on some of the main causes of serious collisions, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, unsafe filtering through traffic, sudden manoeuvres, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to wear an approved helmet or protective clothing, distracted driving and motorists failing to see motorcycles.

Authorities are also reminding drivers of all vehicles to remain aware of motorcyclists and to share the road safely.

The ANSR, GNR and PSP stressed that wearing a properly fitted, approved helmet and suitable protective equipment can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash.

The National Enforcement Plan is based on European road safety recommendations and supports the national Visão Zero 2030 (Vision Zero 2030) strategy, which aims to eliminate road deaths.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.