Rwanda National Police

Commercial motorcyclists as well as bicycle taxis operating in Kigali city have been called upon to play a bigger role in the fight against road related offences in the effort to ensure that road safety is maintained at all the time.

Police imparted the message to the transporters last Saturday following the monthly community cleanup work, Umuganda, in the Akamukina Cell in of Kimihurura Sector in Gasabo.

While addressing over 500 commercial motorcyclists and bicycle taxi operators, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jean Marie Vianney Ndushabandi, the Traffic Police Spokesperson appealed to the cyclists to comply with all traffic rules and regulations, as good citizens determined to maintain road safety.

SSP Ndushabandi further cautioned commercial motorists to, among other things avoid over-speeding, unnecessary overtaking and other risky maneuvers so as to avoid the danger of accidents.

He also asked them to shun carrying more than one passenger and to always make sure both the motorcycle rider and the passenger wear fitting, well-tightened helmets.

The Traffic Police Spokesperson also appealed to bicycle taxi operators to desist from some very risky, and illegal practices, like holding on to the backs of trucks in order to pull them at uphill spots.

“We have noticed such malpractices especially on uphill stretches,” he said. “This is very dangerous as it obviously puts the lives of such riders at high risk,” SSP said.

Daniel Ngarambe, the president of the FERWACOTAM cooperative of the cyclist transporters called for improved services offered by the commercial cyclists, and to always strive to deliver services to their client in a more professional manner.

Ngarambe also warned his fellows against engagement in criminal activities, like narcotic drug trafficking, or facilitating drug dealers to move drugs from one location to another.

Ngarambe said they (FERWACOTAM management) have issued an ultimatum of one month for everyone in the taxi motorcycle business to register in cooperatives.

“Some of the cyclists are not registered in any cooperative, so it becomes a bit challenging monitoring such people whom we don’t have records for,” he commented. “But once we have everyone registered in cooperatives, this will help us to be in full control and supervision, and it will enable us identify, and locate those involved in either road related offences or other criminal activities,” added Ngarambe.

He further challenged cooperatives to closely monitor their members, and to attend to details aimed at infusing more professionalism in the sector.