North West: Bamenda I Council equips commercial motorbike riders to work dutifully.

This was during a campaign and training on Monday October 21, 2024, at the Bamenda I Council hall. The event was organised by the Bamenda I Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport.

Present during the training was the Mayor of Bamenda I council, Mbigha Felix, the Fon of Bamendankwe village, HRM Forchesirri III, representatives from the Regional Delegation of Transport, road safety and motorbike riders.

During the event, the bike riders were drilled by three presenters on safety measures like respect of traffic roles, overtaking, communication methods and the importance of having all their documents.

This is to put an end to the number of accidents caused by motorbike riders in the city of Bamenda and to change their mindsets to work responsibly and restrain from contributing to city riots and strikes.

Mayor Mbigha Felix also handed over 30 helmets to some of the motorbike riders as they were promised to receive more assistance in the days ahead.

Sensitisation to secure lives 

According to Mayor Mbigha Felix, the sensitisation and training was not only to secure the lives of the motorbike riders, but also that of passengers and road users.

"The number of motorbike riders here is a proof that we really needed this sensitization for road safety. If you look at the number of bikers and the number of people who they carry every day, then this sensitization was very necessary,” he said. 

“First, we are trying to secure their own life and secure the life of the population of Bamenda I Subdivision. And this sector is a sector that that at any point in time, we always have problems and they are the ones who are always put in front," Mayor Mbigha said.

On the other hand, the Mayor appreciated the riders for continuing to the peace building process in the Bamenda I council area.

"If you see the peace we have in Bamenda I, the bikers played a greater role in bringing this peace in our community," Mayor Mbigha added.

On his part, Fon Forchesirri III, traditional ruler of Bamendankwe, called on the riders to be law-abiding, as they continue doing their job.

"The message is that they should respect the rules and regulations put in place, and stay on the side of the law, and make sure that they practice the profession with discipline," Fon Forchesirri III said.

Riders commit to be responsible 

The President of the Bike Riders Association of Bamenda I, Muma Emmanuel Taniform, confirmed that he and his colleagues are going to take the lessons seriously and work aptly.

"When I will go back, even my friends who are not bike riders, but who have private motorbikes, I will pass the information to them that when they’re buying their bikes, they should have their receipts because it will make it easier for them to get their ‘carte grise’. And that they should respect the Highway Code. The meeting has really empowered us with knowledge," Muma said.

The meeting was also an opportunity to remind the motorbike riders to abstain from drugs and alcohol during work, respect road signs and Highway Code and dress professionally to look attractive to their customers.

The Mezam Divisional Delegate of Transport, Amadou Oumaro, also used the event to remind the motorbike riders of the importance of having documents like license, and motorbike registration documents.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3268 of Wednesday October 23, 2024