The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel K. Gasana, has called upon commercial motorcyclists in Karongi and Rusizi districts to put their lives ahead of their transport business to avoid accidents that arise out of reckless behaviors on the road.

The police chief made the call, yesterday, while addressing motorcyclists from the two Western districts as part of the ongoing campaign against accidents, especially caused by or involving motorcyclists.

He thanked them for their cooperation and collaboration with the police in fighting and preventing crimes, and for partaking in the country’s development but urged them to operate in cooperatives and ensure hygiene.

He, however, said that the carelessness on the roads by some motorcyclists continue to cost people’s lives and creating a security and development hitch.

Motorcyclists account for 18.5 percent total accidents registered last year and 30 per cent registered this January.

"If you don’t have a transport authorisation license, driver’s license, motorcycle insurance and the motorcycle logbook, then you are not eligible to be riding a motorcycle and you will be breaking road safety standards,” IGP Gasana told the motorcyclists.

"When you violate traffic rules you are not only putting your lives in danger; that passenger you are transporting and other people using the road are also at risk. Having documents is not enough; avoid speeding, bad maneuvers, and violating road safety signposts,” IGP Gasana said.

Aaron Ndagijimana, the director in charge of transport at RURA, acknowledged that they are aware of the challenges motorcyclists are facing, but added that they are working with other institutions to address them.

One of the issues that motorcyclists were facing include the acquisition of a transport authorisation license offered by RURA, the regulator and only cooperatives were eligible to acquire them on behalf of their members, and would take long.

Under the new arrangement, every motorcyclist can apply for an operational license individually.

The meeting was also attended by local leaders, among others.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw