Rwanda National Police

As part of efforts to improve road safety, Rwanda National Police (RNP) reached out commercial motorcyclists operating in Ruhango District under COTRAPAMORU cooperative, and urged them to be guided by professionalism and discipline while observing road safety standards.

The call was made by the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO), Inspector of Police (IP) Angélique Abijuru, who noted that motorcyclists have a shared responsibility on the road to avoid causing or involving in deadly crashes.

“Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any other road user, but you should remember that such rights also come with a great sense of responsibility. You all have a duty to be extra alert and use roads carefully in respect to all road signs,” said IP Abijuru.

She reminded them to abide by traffic rules and regulations and refrain from particular acts of recklessness and speeding, which in some cases result into fatal accidents.

“We have witnessed some cases where some of you carry more than one passenger, while others have no driver’s license, motorcycle insurance, operate without helmet or reflector jacket, which should stop,” she said.

She further warned them against drunk-riding and riding under the influence of drugs.

“Roads are public infrastructures and are used by everyone; your lives, passengers and other road users including pedestrians, matter; so you should ride in a way that the lives or others are considered and valued,” she noted.

She also cautioned them against transporting wrongdoers like drug traffickers and thieves, as well as illegal luggage.

Aimable Mushimiyimana, the head of COTRAPAMORU commended police for opening up to motorcyclists and called on his colleagues to build their nation by being responsible citizens minding on proper road usage.

Mushimiyimana also urged them to report drug dealers and thieves, who attempt to use their transport service in commission of crimes.