By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S.
FREETOWN—The Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor, announced on February 25, 2025, that police officers are now authorized to arrest both bike riders and their passengers who violate the ban on entering the Central Business District (CBD) in Freetown. This decision follows the conclusion of a grace period intended to help riders adjust to the new regulations.
During a meeting held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which included representatives from the Bike Riders Executive, the National Traffic Director, the Sierra Leone Roads and Safety Authority, and the Legal Aid Board, Minister Lengor emphasized the importance of compliance. “From today, police are ordered to arrest both the rider and the passenger if they enter the CBD,” he stated.
Previously, only riders faced penalties for CBD violations; however, under the new directive, passengers will also be held accountable. “The passenger is helping the rider break the law, so both will be charged and taken to court,” the Minister explained.
Minister Lengor urged bike riders to avoid 36 specific streets, including Mends Street off Circular Road, and to adhere strictly to road signs and police instructions. “It’s not about asking for favors; it’s about obeying the law,” he added.
In addition, the Minister warned that riders operating without licenses risk having their bikes confiscated. “Riding without a license is against the law,” he asserted. Under Section 79(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2007, offenders may face fines of up to Nle200.00.
To enhance safety, Minister Lengor called on park monitors to ensure that all riders wear crash helmets. While pillion riders may not always be required to wear helmets for health reasons, bike riders must wear them for their own protection. “Helmets are important to prevent serious injury or death in case of an accident,” he noted.
Furthermore, he reminded riders to use proper motorbike helmets rather than bicycle helmets and stressed that wearing reflective gear for better visibility is legally required, although enforcement strategies are still in development.
Minister Lengor’s message is clear: compliance is essential, or riders and passengers will face legal consequences.
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