By Afeseh Apong
Riders in the Bamenda I municipality have been sensitized on road safety measures and responsible behaviors. This was during a meeting between municipal authorities and bike riders, held on Monday October 21, at the Bamenda I council hall.
Hundreds of bike riders operating within the Bamenda I municipality, turned up for the event, during which they were drilled on road safety measures, good practices and responsible behaviors to apply while at their job sites.
Through the presentations, the various speakers emphasized on the need for those in the motorbike sector, to avoid the consumption of alcohol especially the sachet whiskey commonly known as fighter, look neat, while at the same time adopting a more friendly approach to their customers. They were also reminded of the high way code and traffic rules especially to those plying the roads in the urban areas.
Mayor Mbigha Felix used the occasion to applaud bikers of Bamenda I municipality for always being honest and responsible, especially in the midst of the Anglophone crisis.
“The bike riders sector is very important in the community and if you look at the number of bike riders that we had here today, it proves that we really needed this sensitization,” Mbigha Felix said.
“Bike riders in this community have done a lot for the safety of the community. If you see the peace drive in Bamenda I, they played a great role in bringing peace. The bike riders in Bamenda I are well organized. They have their parks and presidents and nobody will come and load in a place that is not theirs. They must ask to know who you’re and that’s to sustain the peace we have in our community. I will like to really appreciate them,” Mayor Mbigha Felix added.
The president of the Bike riders association for Bamenda I Muma Emmanuel Taniform, says important lessons have been learned from the sensitization campaign, which will greatly help them to fully carry out their duties.
“What I learned from the sensitization campaign is about the license issue. When I will go back, even my friends that are not bike riders, but who have private bikes, 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 high way code. The meeting has really empowered us with knowledge,” Muma Emmanuel Taniform said.
“We are praying that the uniform people (soldiers) should be friendly with us. At times when we meet them on the way, they don’t show that love to us. Even when we try to show them the love, some will understand, but some will not understand,” Muma Emmanuel spoke about the main challenges they face on a daily basis.
The bikers were encouraged to acquire all their required documents such as drivers licenses and carte grise so as to be up to date with the requirements needed to effectively do their jobs. Some distinguished bike riders were given helmets as a sign of encouragement. The sensitization campaign, which is the fruits of the collaboration between the Bamenda I Council and the Ministry of Transport, was attended amongst others by the Fon of Bamendakwe, HRH Fon Forchesiri III.