Commercial cyclists must desist from abusing drugs in order to safeguard the integrity of their businesses and provide good services to the public.

Assistant Inspector Marie Rose Uwizera, the District Community Liaison Officer of Nyabihu, made the call during a meeting with over 80 commercial cyclists operating in the district.

"Abusing drugs and alcohol leads to addiction that makes one unable to efficiently perform their duties – and in your case, this might lead you into terrible accidents that harm you and the passengers’ lives and even harm other road users,” she told the cyclists.

"It is therefore in your favor that you avoid the consumption of these illicit products, and concentrate on your work to develop your nation.”

She also called on the commercial cycling community to work with Police through community policing by providing timely information that helps to prevent crimes.

"You should also ensure that your business is not infiltrated by masqueraders yet are criminals who distribute drugs and illicit brew or conduct other sinister activities in society.”

Police has been reaching out to cycling business operators, reminding them to obey traffic rules in order to foster safety on the roads.

In January this year, Police partnered with Gasabo District to donate five motorcycles to specific commercial cyclists in a bid to support them upgrade to taxi motorcycle business.