As part of efforts to improve road safety, Rwanda National Police (RNP) reached out to over 3000 commercial motorcyclists and cyclists operating in Kigali and urged them to be guided by professionalism and discipline while observing road safety standards.
Police delivered the message under the auspices of the ‘Road Safety Month, on September 25, in a meeting with the motorcyclists in Gasabo district.
The meeting held at Amahoro stadium, was also attended by members of district administrative organ, DASSO, members of community policing committees and local leaders.
In his message, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Elias Mwesigye, the Central Region Police Commander, noted that motorcyclists should have a shared responsibility on the road to avoid causing or involving in deadly crashes.
He observed that 50 percent of all road accidents registered between January and August this year across the country, were caused or involved motorcyclists.
ACP Mwesigye urged them to uplift the image of their profession by acting more responsibly while using roads.
“Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any other road user – but they 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,” he told the attendants.
He also noted that helmet usage is on the decline, with some motorcyclists failing to provide helmets to their passengers, while some engage in practices such as overloading and bad maneuvers, and mind the mechanical status of their motorcycles and bicycles.
“All motorcyclists are encouraged to always ensure that their machines are in good condition. On top of that, Motorcyclists must be properly licensed and move with their documents whenever they are on the road,” he said.
The Mayor of Gasabo, Steven Rwamurangwa, complimented this message by urging motorcyclists to ride safely and denounce abusing drugs and alcohol which undermine their judgment.
“It is impossible to drive or ride safely when you are intoxicated with drugs or alcohol. Therefore, be good citizens by riding safely and sober,” Rwamurangwa said.
“You should be good partners in crime prevention by not engaging or facilitating criminals who want to exploit your services for burglary, smuggling and other crimes. Always call police whenever you suspect that a client intends to exploit you for criminality.”
One of the motorcyclists, Alphonse Sabukuru, 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.
In the same line, another group of over 500 commercial motorcyclists met with traffic police officers led by Deputy Commissioner of Traffic and Road Safety, CSP Paul Gatambira in Nyarugenge district at Nyamirambo stadium. They discussed ways in which to propel their partnership with police in ensuring maximum road safety.