Bali Driver Praised After Refusing Tourist Ride Without Helmet
A ride-hailing driver in Bali is being praised by local authorities and the public for refusing to transport a tourist who would not wear a safety helmet. The driver prioritized road safety and legal compliance over his fare, leading to an official recognition from the Denpasar Traffic Police.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between tourism demands and local traffic safety enforcement in popular travel destinations.
Illustration: Helmet use is mandatory for both riders and passengers on motorcycles in Indonesia.
BADUNG, Bali – A Bali ride-hailing driver has been widely praised after refusing to transport a foreign tourist who declined to wear a safety helmet, choosing to forgo the fare rather than compromise road safety.
The incident quickly gained attention after a video of the brief exchange between the driver and the prospective passenger circulated on social media.
The driver, Francisco Alves Godinho, calmly insisted that the tourist wear the helmet he had provided before the journey could begin. When the passenger refused, Francisco cancelled the trip.
“If you don’t want to wear a helmet, then please order a car, not a motorcycle,” he said.
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