Rwanda National Police

Commercial motorcyclists operating in Rulindo District were urged to respect road safety standards especially in this festive period when violations of traffic rules tend to increase resulting into accidents.

The call was made on December 18, by Police during the meeting with the motorcyclists held in  Murambi Sector.

About 30 percent of the accidents that occurred between January and September this year were caused or involved motorcyclists.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Charles Hakizimana cautioned them against over speeding, bad maneuvers or overtaking in dangerous corners, which he described as "deadly behaviours."

At least 6,841 cases of driving while using the phone; 1,404 cases of spending and 7,034 case of overtaking in hotspots were also recorded in this year’s first nine months.

Gatera Aboubakar, who heads the cooperative of commercial motorcyclists in Rulindo also reminded them that it's a policy for taxi-moto operators to be registered in a cooperative.

This, Gatera said, helps in monitoring and control and taking action against members caught in criminal acts.

The federation of commercial motorcyclists in Rwanda (FERWACOTAMO) recently said that it will dismiss any member caught in criminal acts like trafficking of drugs or facilitating traffickers, thieves, and smugglers, among others.

Last month, two motorcyclists caught snatching valuables from people at night and smuggling goods were dismissed. 

The State Minister for Transport 

Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye said that all commercial motorcycles will be fitted with GPS by June next year to help in controlling their reckless behaviours. This, he said, will help the police to trace riders that violate traffic rules.

There are over 60, 000 commercial motorcycles across the country.