Cycling safety: Saving life should be priority

Editor, RE: “Review safety measures for cycling races” (The New Times, October 28). The Police needs to acknowledge that there is of course room for improvement as far as the safety of cyclists is concerned, but we must also think of the economic losses that could result from banning business activities on the road for at least 6 hours just because of a sport activity. Rwanda and much of the world in general are driven by the mathematics of capitalistic economy—as simple as that. I wish Kabera Iryamukuru’s soul to rest in peace. Byamungu *********** I am stunned and appalled by your views. If Rwanda sees no economic benefit in a vibrant sporting sector, let’s then just stick to making baskets, shall we? I think it’s unfortunate to talk about “economic losses” incurred from implementing life-saving safety regulations which are “normal” and “required”. If we fail to see the value in cycling races, mountain rallies, to ensure their proper, professional and safe hosting and execution, then let’s stop it altogether. In these scenarios half-measures can and have cost us lives, and a simple “Oops, sorry, but it’s your fault” is just adding insult to fatal injury. Honestly, let’s stop all the races. We are not serious, not ready, and not willing to learn. So let’s stop kidding ourselves about holding races, please. We seriously have a very long way to go, if every single step to a path of successful professionalism must always be hammered into the heads of people. It really is devastatingly tragic that it is even deemed debatable to properly secure a race track. We all know how Rwanda struggles when it comes to ordinary customer service and professionalism, but this is the height. This madness needs to end now. Somebody is dead over this nonsensical approach to professionalism, and somebody is whining about economic losses? What about the economic loss to the family who just lost a loved one?I despair. I truly despair, right now. Dayo Ntwari *********** Why is a cyclist expected to dodge oncoming traffic during a race? Surely he was focused on getting ahead, and was under the false assumption that his safety had been thought of. Truly heartbreaking! To me, at the very least, an apology should be made; not this explanation that makes it sound as if young Kabera was to blame. I am so sad and disappointed. It is disrespectful to this man, his family and the future that has been wiped away. Akaliza Keza Gara

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Cycling safety: Saving life should be priority