Yesterday was the National Biker Day 2015. Boda boda operators and professional bikers took to the streets of Nairobi to ride, marking this big day. In a press release, the association aired several grievances.

The association is comprised of Private Motorcycle Clubs, Associations and Groups in Kenya. It handles legislation and policy making, advocacy, safety and training for bikers in Kenya.

Here are some of the issues that were highlighted:

1. Lane Splitting / Sharing/ Filtering:

We propose that you consider amending the provisions of section 6 (1) (j).

This is because overtaking in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken (otherwise known as “Lane Splitting”) is an internationally acceptable mode of riding for motorcyclists all over the world.

Celebrity activist Boniface Mwangi, having previously highlighted the plight of Boda Boda operators in Nairobi, was present during the event.

Lane Splitting is what gives the Motorcycle the rapid and uninhibited edge of transportation making it the mode of choice for quick commuter and courier transportation.

2. City By Laws and Designated Parking:

We propose that within the city environs we have city By Laws that legitimize and govern the operation of Bikes (both Commercial and Private) within cities. We also recommend designated Bike Ranks in Malls, the Central Business District and Public Spaces to ensure that Bikers are recognized as legitimate road users and hence are also entitled to park in a designated parking.

3. Harassment, Detention and Extortion of Bikers:

We recommend that you clamp down on a cartel at the Nairobi City Council that has participated in the recent harassment of Bikers. In the recent month we have witnessed mass arrests and confiscation of bikes by the Council without subsequent charging in court but instead extortion of monies in the name of storage charges.

4. Agents of Compliance:

We pledge our support and commitment to you to participate in the training and mobilization of bikers and that you use us to be your agents of ensuring that bikers comply with the recently passed regulations.

Here are photos from the event;