Discipline on the road plays a key role in addressing reckless riding behaviors of taxi moto operators and preventing accidents.
While addressing about 6,000 commercial motorcyclists on Wednesday, March 26, at Kigali Pele stadium, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Vincent Habintwari, who oversees motorcycle road safety operations, emphasized that discipline defines character and behaviors, which are key to observing road safety rules and regulations.
The meeting with taxi moto operators under Umurimo Unoze Motari Cooperative of Nyarugenge District, aimed at strengthening the partnership with various institutions, including Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and local government, to improve the daily operations, road safety and to support national development programmes.
The event also saw the launch of the service card system, introduced by Umurimo Unoze Motari Cooperative to track the performance and attendance of their members in cooperative activities, such as communal work (Umuganda), road safety activities, and other collaborative programmes organized by the cooperative leaders.
CSP Habintwari thanked the motorcyclists for the big turn up and urged them to avoid careless riding behaviors that put their lives and those of others, at high risk.
He warned against riding while drunk, speeding, using a phone and reminded them to always respect pedestrian rights.
“Utilize the service card system and continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism in your transport services,” CSP Habintwari told the motorcyclists.
Alloys Habiryayo, the head of Umurimo Unoze Motari cooperative, highlighted the importance of collaboration with institutions like RNP and RRA in enhancing the performance of motorcyclists and improving their services.
He emphasized that the issuance of the service card would not only help identify members but also streamline their operations, including assigning designated parking spots for each motorcyclist.
“We prepared this meeting to inform cooperative members about the intention behind the service card, which will enhance our ability to report road safety violations, support each other, and access emergency assistance, if and when needed,” Nteziryayo said.
He added that the service card also contains the Police emergency contacts and other essential particulars, which will enable them to quickly address road safety concerns and identify individuals, who don’t meet the necessary requirements. (End)