Motorcycles Around the World

by John Stumpner

We often think of bikers and motorcycling as something just done in America. After all, that’s where we live, what we read the most about, and what we see the most of. However, motorcycling and the biker lifestyle can be found all over the world. In some countries, scooters, mopeds and motorcycles outnumber cars on the road.

Motorcycles are a significant form of transportation both for moving things and people in other parts of the world.

Just like in the United States, Canada and Mexico have large numbers of bikers. During the riding season, bikers in these countries are out attending motorcycle rallies and events just like in the U.S. Even Cuba has the Harlistas Cubanos, a group of Harley Davidson riders in that island nation. Many motorcycle groups in the United States, have a presence in many different countries around the world.

In many Third World countries, owning a car can be very expensive. While still not free, a motorcycle can be a more economical option for those needing personal transportation. One of the church groups in Malawi, Africa, provided its pastors and missionaries with eleven motorcycles so they can more easily reach their remote congregations (they previously had been using bicycles).

We often think of countries in Asia as being third world countries, but countries like Malaysia, India and China have industries and economies that rival many western nations. In these countries, mopeds, scooters and motorcycles are a significant form of transportation. Back in 2002, India had the most mopeds, scooters and motorcycles registered of any country in the world and China was a close second. Malaysia, in 2019, had eighty times more mopeds, scooters and motorcycles registered than cars.

So, as you see, bikers in Wisconsin share a bond with hundreds of millions of likeminded people around the world. As ABATE of Wisconsin Junior Patriots, you also are part of this group of adventurous, freedom loving people.