As of July 1, 19 people had lost their lives on Cyprus roads. Of those, eight were riding motorcycles, seven as drivers and one as a passenger.
Images of motorcyclists performing wheelies, cars engaging in impromptu street races and videos showcasing dangerous stunts flooding social media are raising concerns not only because of the risks involved. They are also causing growing alarm over the message they send, particularly to younger drivers, by encouraging imitation.
The discussion takes on even greater significance given that, of the 19 people who have lost their lives in road collisions in Cyprus so far this year, eight were motorcycle users, seven as riders and one as a passenger.
Against this backdrop, police are exploring ways to strengthen the legislative framework, looking at practices already in place in other European countries, including Poland. According to a source who spoke to politis.com.cy, the objective is not only to deal more strictly with dangerous driving but also to limit the promotion of such behaviour through social media.
“The problem of fatal road collisions is serious. At the same time, we see young people being influenced by videos that portray wheelies and street races as something impressive. This is a phenomenon we want to limit,” the source said.
The challenge of proving offences
Today, even when a video is publicly posted on social media, launching a criminal investigation is not a straightforward matter.
Investigators must identify the account involved, determine who actually uploaded the content and then establish a connection between that individual and the incident itself.
“Proof is difficult. It is not enough for a video simply to exist online,” the same source said.
According to information obtained by politis.com.cy, consideration is being given to creating a specific legal provision covering particular dangerous behaviours, such as riding a motorcycle on one wheel, commonly known as a wheelie, and taking part in illegal street races.
At the same time, authorities are examining ways to deal more effectively with social media posts that promote such practices, with the aim of strengthening the deterrent effect of the law.
The proposal remains at an early stage. No bill has been submitted and no final decisions have been taken regarding possible penalties.
At present, a motorcyclist caught riding on one wheel can be arrested for dangerous driving. However, when an incident comes to light only through a video posted online after the fact, building a case becomes significantly more difficult.
The Polish example
Poland this year introduced one of Europe's toughest road-safety reforms.
According to Polish media reports, from March 30, 2026, car drivers and motorcyclists who deliberately engage in drifting or wheelies outside authorised events face the suspension of their driving licence for three months and fines of up to 30,000 zloty, or approximately €7,100.
At the same time, the offence of illegal street racing was formally introduced for the first time, with participants and organisers facing prison sentences of up to five years.
A new offence for particularly dangerous driving was also introduced.
