Bugesera Police impounds bicycles, affects operators’ livelihood

BUGESERA – Police in Bugesera district have seized over 70 bicycle taxis for defying a by law which banned the bicycles from riding on tarmac road. “It is common knowledge that such bicycles have exacerbated road accidents within this district. We are thus ordering them to desist from using the tarmac road,” authorities said.  

Friday, November 13, 2009
Bicycles which were impounded from cyclists who had ignored the ban in Mukarange Sector Kayonza district earlier this month. (File photo)

BUGESERA – Police in Bugesera district have seized over 70 bicycle taxis for defying a by law which banned the bicycles from riding on tarmac road.

"It is common knowledge that such bicycles have exacerbated road accidents within this district. We are thus ordering them to desist from using the tarmac road,” authorities said.

The District Police Commander, Jack Rwagati said the ban was part of the nation-wide police campaign aimed at reducing road accidents.

"The police can’t turn a deaf ear while residents die. We have restricted their operations to feeder roads,” he said, adding that the bicycle taxis which had been seized will be returned to their rightful owners once they promise to abide by the new by law.

He noted that police has sensitised residents about the dangers of breaching road safety rules. 

Dionese Dushimiyimana, a bicycle taxi operator from Mayange sector complained that the ban has left most of them jobless.

"The revenue earned from taxis provided a source of livelihood for the operators while also providing affordable transport,” Dushimiyimana said.

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