By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Municipality of Marondera has announced a new regulation requiring all bicycle owners and cyclists to pay an annual licensing fee of US$5.
This fee is mandatory for every bicycle owned or operated within the municipal jurisdiction, effective immediately.
In a notice circulating on social media, the local authority emphasized that it is an offense to operate an unlicensed bicycle within the municipality.
Cyclists found riding without proper licensing may face penalties, prompting the municipality to encourage timely compliance with the new requirements to avoid inconvenience.
In their notice, the council expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation of residents and bicycle owners, emphasizing their commitment to creating a more organized and regulated cycling environment within the town.
The new licensing initiative aims to enhance safety and accountability among cyclists while streamlining municipal regulations.
However, online discussions have grown heated, as individuals voice their concerns about the impact of this regulation on the cycling community and public transportation alternatives.Critics have argued that the Municipality must first construct cycle tracks before rushing to introduce the the licence fee.