Police Engage Bike Riders Ahead of Crash Helmet Enforcement

Police Engage Bike Riders Ahead of Crash Helmet Enforcement

In anticipation of the mandatory enforcement of crash helmet use for all riders and pillions, effective Monday, 9 March 2026, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Francis Braima Meinday, Regional Commander (East), convened a meeting with the executive of the Bike Riders Union (BRU), Eastern Region, and representatives from the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA).

During the engagement, AIG Meinday commended the BRU for its crucial role in national transportation services. He strongly urged the leadership to escalate awareness campaigns among its members regarding the importance of helmet use. He emphasized that accident statistics in the Eastern Region clearly indicate that most fatalities among riders and pillions are a direct result of head injuries stemming from non-compliance with helmet regulations. Furthermore, he reminded the executive of the standing Memorandum of Understanding between the police and the union, stressing the imperative of strict adherence to all road safety regulations.

From a security perspective, Chief Superintendent (CSP) Emmanuel Kpulun, Local Unit Commander of Kenema Division, advised riders, particularly those operating during nighttime hours, to maintain heightened vigilance, underscoring that helmet enforcement is a matter of national safety priority. A representative from the SLRSA supported these views, highlighting the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the collective effort to minimize road accidents and fatalities.

Responding on behalf of the union, Mr. Patrick Brima Mando, BRU Chairman for Kenema District, expressed gratitude to the police for prioritizing the welfare of riders. While acknowledging that helmet use is not a new concept to the union, he voiced concerns regarding potential health issues and anticipated resistance from certain members of the public. He assured the authorities of the executive’s full commitment to enforcing compliance, concurrently appealing for a compassionate and professional implementation approach to preempt unnecessary conflict.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement on cooperation and a collective readiness for the smooth and effective implementation of the upcoming helmet enforcement operations.