Cuenca Motorcycle-Crime Numbers Put Two-On-A-Bike Rule Back In Play

Cuenca's debate over two people riding on one motorcycle is moving from neighborhood anxiety into a more formal city process.

Police data presented to officials listed 774 crimes involving motorcycles in Cuenca between 2020 and June 26, 2026. The same presentation said 435 cases were concentrated in the South district and 339 in the North district.

Why The Rule Is Moving

The numbers were presented during a technical workshop on the proposed ordinance regulating two people on a motorcycle. The proposal is expected to go to a second debate in July.

Officials also cited 17 violent deaths so far in 2026, with motorcycles allegedly used by suspects in five of those cases. The Consejo de Seguridad Ciudadana identified motorcycles as common in criminal incidents, especially around El Batan and El Arenal.

The Big Caveat

This is not just a yes-or-no security rule. Cuenca officials are also looking at how a restriction would affect rural areas where motorcycles are basic transportation and work tools, including places such as Chaucha and Molleturo.

City officials asked participating institutions to submit technical, statistical and operational data by Friday, July 3, 2026, ahead of another workshop on Tuesday, July 7.

What Expats Should Watch

If the rule advances, it could affect daily transport, delivery services and how police stop motorcycles in the city. For now, the practical point is that this is moving through the municipal pipeline, and July is the month to watch.