<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1>     Motorbike ban long overdue By Oscar Kimanuka  It is now official. No more commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as boda boda or "motor," will be allowed in Kigali's city centre. The decision was arrived at after consultations between the City Council, Ministry of Infrastructure, and Local Government and the police. The decision has been welcomed by many Kigali residents, who for some time have viewed the motorcyclists as a nuisance. The cyclists have been blamed for the increasing number of thefts in a city that has a reputation for being one of the safest in the region. It is hoped that the directive from city authorities will be sustainable and not one of those episodic, knee-jerk responses that are soon ignored. One of the major reasons advanced by the Kigali city fathers for the ban was the sharp rise in accidents, thefts, harassment and other related petty crimes. Motorcycles are only allowed in designated areas outside the city. The motor cycle sector in Kigali has provided employment to many young people who have found it easy to operate owing to the reasonably low cost of investment. A secondhand motorcycle, for example, cost $1,000 or less. However, the operator of the motorcycle is not usually the owner. He acquires the motorcycle on a loan and raises the money through daily collections to pay back pay off the debt. The original owner buys another bike, and through this reproductive system, the population of "motors" on Kigali streets has grown phenomenally. Incidentally, this practice is not confined to Kigali. This is common in many African cities, including Kampala, where there are thousands of boda bodas that have become a convenient mode of transport for passengers who are tired of the traffic jams on many of the city roads. These boda bodas, however, have neither regard for traffic rules nor respect for other people. I am not sure of anyone, particularly a car owner who has ever encountered a disciplined or polite motorcyclist. Now what is remaining is the enforcement of this new regulation for the safety of residents of Kigali. To begin with a "motor" regulatory task-force should be established to oversee enforcement of this regulation. Oscar Kimanuka is a commentator on social and economic issues based in Kigali.   Email: oscar_kim2000@yahoo.co.uk  Source: http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/Opinion/Opinion2808064.htm   </div> </body> </html>