Malawi police impound ‘unroadworthy’ bicycles in Mangochi

Malawi Police in late shore tourism eastern district of Mangochi have gone flat out impounding unroadworthy bicycles, saying the action is done as one way of reducing road traffic accidents on the roads especially those in the town’s streets and its peripherals.

At least 82 bicycles have been impounded this week within the lake shore town, and according to police, most of the bicycles do not have important features like blue lights, reflectors and brakes.

Operating a bicycle without such ‘parts’ is contrary to regulation 34 (3) of the Road Traffic Act., according to police

“The traffic department has registered unprecedented rise in accidents involving cars and bicycles which necessitated the campaign,” said Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer, Inspector Rodrick Maida.

“We specifically targeted taxi bicycles (kabanza) plying the roads without blue light, reflectors and brakes because motorists fail to see them at night,” Maida said.

“It is our belief that at the end of this exercise, which is ongoing, we will help to reduce road accidents in the district, hence protecting life and property,” Maida hoped.