By: Aminata Sesay
A high-level Project Management Board meeting, chaired by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), took place at UN House on Signal Hill Road in Freetown on Tuesday, 18th March 2025. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving the safety, security, and economic prospects of bike riders in Sierra Leone.
The meeting was led by UNDP Country Representative Fredrick Ampiah, and included senior officials such as Hon. Patrick Michealson Gibrilla, Acting Minister at the Ministry of Youth Affairs; Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Andrew Mustapha Kamara, Director of Training at the Sierra Leone Police (SLP); and representatives from the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Trocaire, Prevention First Initiative, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, and the Legal Aid Board.
AIG Kamara emphasised the importance of establishing a fair and transparent registration process for bike riders nationwide. He noted that bike riders play a crucial role in the country’s transportation system and contribute to internal security. However, he also pointed out that the informal nature of their operations has posed regulatory and safety challenges.
The meeting discussions addressed these challenges, focusing on the need for proper licensing, enforcement of road safety regulations, and measures to curb criminal activities sometimes associated with commercial bike riding. Stakeholders also explored ways to integrate bike riders into structured economic opportunities, providing them with access to financial support and training programs.
Participants also shared success stories from previous interventions that improved riders’ compliance with road safety laws and enhanced their economic stability. The Legal Aid Board highlighted efforts to ensure legal protection for bike riders facing disputes, while Prevention First Initiative and Trocaire presented community-based solutions that have successfully fostered cooperation between bike riders and law enforcement.
The board also agreed on key resolutions to guide the project’s next phase, focusing on strengthening coordination between the SLP, SLRSA, and other partners. These resolutions include implementing a nationwide bike rider registration system, increasing road safety awareness campaigns, and providing alternative economic opportunities for riders to reduce over-reliance on commercial biking.
This initiative reflects a broader effort by UNDP and its partners to create safer road conditions, improve the working environment for bike riders, and foster stronger collaboration between riders and security agencies. With bike riding being a primary mode of transportation for many Sierra Leoneans, particularly in urban areas, the success of this project could have significant implications for road safety, crime prevention, and youth empowerment in the country.
As the project moves forward, stakeholders remain committed to addressing the concerns of bike riders while ensuring that regulatory frameworks are strengthened for a safer and more organised transport sector.
