AAT unveils safety drive for cyclists

Dar es Salaam. The Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT) has launched a special campaign that requires all cyclists in the country to wear helmets.

Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam, AAT Chief Executive Officer Yusuf Ghor said the campaign aimed at protecting all cyclists in the country as it was recognized by the world motorsport governing body (Fia), whereby three times Grand Prix motorcycle racing world champion Marc Marquez of Spain is involved.

Ghor said the campaign is also special for students using bicycles as a means of transport to and from studies. He said there had been an increase in accidents involving cyclists in the country and he called upon all parents with students in 1,500 schools in the city to get involved in the campaign.

“There has been an increase in the number of people using bicycles daily as a means of transport. Accidents are also on the rise and many people are risking their lives.

“So, as a sole association involved in motors in the country, we decided to launch the campaign for protecting our athletes and other bicycle users from injuries and death,” said Ghor. He explained that before launching the campaign, they conducted a survey in six schools in the city and found out that there was a need for a campaign for motorcyclists, cyclists and those riding as passengers to wear helmets so to reduce accidents and save life.For his part, Abel Swai, who is a Superintendent of Police, commended AAT for the initiative and promised to cooperate with the body in order that all cyclists wear the safety measure.

“It is very important for all cyclists to wear the helmets; we will start to implement it while we are waiting for an official law and bylaws for them,” said Swai.