Boda-Boda riders on the streets of Juba conduct safety awareness of Boda-Boda riders in campaign dubbed “Ride for Peace, “Ride for Safety,” on 28th March 2018. (Photo: UNMISS.

The National Police Service said its traffic police department will impose stringent measures against motorbike riders on Monday including making mandatory for them to wear helmets and carry only one passenger.

Major General Daniel Justin said the measures aimed at reducing traffic accidents and enhancing roads safety, will take effect on Monday December 11, 2023.

The police official said it will be mandatory for the motorcycle or boda-boda riders and passengers to use helmets, while underage riders have been banned.

Addressing a press conference in Juba, General Justin said the traffic police will crackdown on riders who refuse to abide by the order.

“It is mandatory for motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a helmet, and also for motorcycle owners who transport goods not to transport passengers. A motorcycle driver is not allowed to carry more than one passenger,” Justin said.

“Young people under 18 are not allowed to drive motorcycles. It is prohibited according to the law, and we have informed them of that.”

The new directive also advises families against carrying two or more school children in one bike for their own safety.

“Some families transport their children to school on motorcycles using one motorcycle to transport more than four children. This is wrong and dangerous because if an accident occurs, the children will become victims.”

“We have prevented these phenomena and raised awareness, and starting next Monday, we will be in the streets to implement the order issued to correct traffic.”

During the festive season, Juba City witnesses increasing cases of traffic accidents a situation attributed to reckless driving and intoxication.