Freetown, Sierra Leone – On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Director of Operations, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Dr. John Martin Senesie, convened a significant meeting with commercial motorbike riders at the Police Headquarters conference room.
This gathering was part of a nationwide initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at fostering a peaceful relationship between commercial motorbike riders and law enforcement agencies.
In his address to the assembled crowd, AIG Dr. Senesie emphasized the importance of citizen responsibilities, regardless of social status. “We need good cooperation and collaboration between bike riders and law enforcement, as this will facilitate effective policing. No one is above the law. If Sierra Leone develops, we all benefit; if we fail, we fail together,” he stated.
Dr. Senesie urged the executive members of the Bike Riders Union and representatives from civil society organizations to assist the police in enforcing regulations regarding motorbike operations in the Central Business District (CBD) of the city. He underscored the critical role that motorbike riding plays in providing self-employment opportunities and contributing to government efforts.
AIG Senesie highlighted the need to maintain the free flow of traffic in the CBD and announced a grace period that will last until January 31, 2025. Effective February 1, 2025, commercial motorbikes will be prohibited from operating on the following 35 streets:
1. Kennedy Street
2. Kissy Road
3. Fourah Bay Road
4. Sani Abacha Street
5. East End Police Clock Tower
6. Goderich Street
7. Lumley/Free Street
8. Upper East Street
9. Circular Road
10. Regent Road
11. Pademba Road
12. Cotton Tree
13. Percival Street
14. Charlotte Street
15. Wilberforce Street
16. Gloucester Street
17. Howe Street
18. Randon Street
19. Wallace Johnson Street
20. Lamina Sankoh Street
21. Siaka Stevens Street
22. Pultney Street
23. Bathurst Street
24. Dundas Street
25. Adelaide Street
26. Kroo Town Road
27. Sanders Street
28. Campbell Street
29. Savage Street
30. Waterloo Street
31. Brook Street
32. Wellington Street
33. Naimbana Street
34. Charles Street
35. Jones Street
These regulations are aimed at enhancing traffic flow and ensuring public safety. AIG Senesie reiterated the importance of compliance and encouraged union leaders to assist in disseminating this information to their members.
The Director of the Traffic Management and Road Safety, Commissioner of Police Mr. Abdul Moijueh, reflected on the past conflicts between police and bike riders that have resulted in loss of life. He emphasized that collaboration with bike riders is vital for maintaining order in the CBD. “We do not want to see any conflicts between police and bike riders,” he stated.
Commissioner Moijueh also stressed the importance of safety equipment, urging all riders to wear protective helmets.
The Director of Safety and Enforcement of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, Mr. Kaitongi, announced plans to conduct training on traffic regulations to improve compliance among motorbike riders. He noted that the discussions held during the meeting were part of the way forward to mitigate conflicts between commercial motorbike riders and law enforcement agencies. He acknowledged the riders’ complaints regarding their recognition by law enforcement while addressing issues related to bike riding. He assured that personnel would not disturb any commercial motorbike riders operating outside the restricted areas but urged all to comply, emphasizing their readiness to fully support adherence to the regulations.
Regional Chairman for the Western Area, Mohamed S. Turay, expressed the riders’ readiness to comply with the CBD restrictions, while also calling for fair enforcement by law enforcement officers.
Representatives from various parks in the Western Area assured authorities of their commitment to adhering to the new regulations, promising to spread awareness among their fellow riders.
The meeting concluded with a strong display of unity between the authorities and bike riders, reaffirming a mutual commitment to work collaboratively for the successful implementation of these regulations. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) highlighted the importance of collaborative dialogue and community engagement as they transition towards a service-oriented policing model.
Commissioner Moijueh encouraged all stakeholders to disseminate this message promptly throughout their respective networks to ensure a smooth implementation of the regulations in the Central Business District.
SLP Media Team.
