Internal Affairs Minister Orders Arrests of Bike Riders and Passengers Violating CBD Entry Ban in Freetown

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor, has directed police officers to arrest bike riders and their passengers who violate the ban on entering the Central Business District (CBD) in Freetown.

The announcement came during a meeting on February 25, 2025, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs office in Freetown. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Bike Riders Executive, the National Traffic Director, the Sierra Leone Roads and Safety Authority, the Legal Aid Board, and other important groups.

Minister Lengor explained that the grace period for bike riders to adjust to the new rules has ended. “From today, police are ordered to arrest both the rider and the passenger if they enter the CBD,” he said.

In the past, only bike riders faced penalties for entering the CBD, but now 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 added.

The Minister advised bike riders to avoid 36 streets, including Mends Street off Circular Road, and to follow road signs and police directions. “It’s not about asking for favors, it’s about obeying the law,” he said.

Minister Lengor also warned that riders without licenses could have their bikes confiscated. “Riding without a license is against the law,” he stated. According to Section 79(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2007, offenders could face a fine of up to Nle200.00.

To improve safety, the Minister called on Park monitors to help ensure 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 protection. “Helmets are important to prevent serious injury or death in case of an accident,” he explained.

The Minister also reminded riders to use proper motorbike helmets, not bicycle helmets, and stressed that wearing reflective gear for better visibility is required by law, though enforcement on this matter is still being planned.

Minister Lengor’s message to riders and passengers is clear: follow the rules, or face the consequences.