The Traffic and Road Safety department (TRS) has impounded at least 50 motorcycles in the City of Kigali for violating pedestrian rights.
The motorcycles were impounded in operations conducted last week to protect pedestrians against errant motorists.
Moto-taxi operators were caught riding on sidewalks, according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the spokesperson for the TRS said.
According to Presidential Order No. 85/01 of September 2, 2002, Article 48, roadsides and pedestrian pathways are strictly reserved for pedestrians unless otherwise indicated by signs or specific regulations.
SP Kayigi stated that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and eliminate disorder.
“We have been running the ‘Gerayo Amahoro’ road campaign for some years, urging road users, especially motorcyclists, to avoid behaviors that could cause accidents or disrupt traffic flow. The enforcement is part of the campaign,” SP Kayigi said.
He pointed out that some motorcyclists often engage in prohibited and reckless behaviors such as riding on pedestrian pathways, roadsides, overtaking from the wrong side, weaving through traffic, and other dangerous practices causing accidents.
He warned that there will be no tolerance for such violations adding that similar operations will continue across the country to penalize those breaking road safety rules and regulations.
Eugene Sindikubwabo is one of the motorcyclists caught riding on the roadside.
Sindikubwabo said: “I used to think that riding on the pathways wasn’t a serious offense. We did it often to save time but after being caught made me reflect on my mistakes that create disorder and cause accidents. Sometimes we colide with other motorcyclists or knock pedestrians.”
He encouraged fellow motorcyclists to abide by road safety standards, warning them that speeding and shortcuts against time can lead to accidents and loss of lives, defeating the purpose. (End)