Commercial motorbike riders in the Limbe 1 Council in Fako Division of South West Region operate under the Limbe Commercial Motorbike Riders Union (LICMORU). Following the 2008 Prime Ministerial Order on the regularisation of the motorbike sector, the LICMORU executive led by the President Nanmegne Dadje Martin, embarked on serious work.
Talking to Cameroon Tribune, the president explained that the very first move was the identification of all commercial bike riders so as to differentiate them from private motorbike owners. The requirements are a passport-size photograph, copy of the National Identity Card, a contact telephone number and address that were later filed to serve as the union’s membership database. Another measure was the introduction of jackets bearing the name of the union and the rider’s identification number. LICMORU executive also assist in collecting money from members for hand over to those in charge of processing their papers.
The union has reached agreement with a private microfinance house to sponsor
the issuance of driving licences for registered motorbike riders. The amount is to be repaid through a daily contribution of FCFA 1,000 by the riders. The union presently boasts 300 commercial motor bike riders operating in conformity with the law. The sole bone of contention so far is the restriction of movement to certain areas of the city which very few riders seem to respect.
Despite the desire and determination to respect the rules and regulations in force, difficulties abound in this sector. The very first is theft of motorbikes coupled with the murder of riders. The riders equally decry the high cost of official documents, saying as a result, they are unable to meet basic personal needs at the end of the day. During various council sessions or major events, the Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council, Motanga Andrew Monjimba has an endless cry: motorbike riders. The non-regularisation of this sector so far has been a source of conflict as concerns the respect of traffic lights, the Highway Code, dressing habits and handling of customers.
However, several meetings between the administrative and municipal authorities and motorbike riders’ leaders inspire hope of a better future for the sector. A major resolution during one of such meetings was that riders in Limbe I will put on green jackets while those of Limbe II and III shall wear red and yellow ones, representing the Cameroon flag.
