Ride At Your Own Risk: Masvingo Introduces Licence To Ride Bicycles, Joins Few Other Cities

Ride At Your Own Risk: Masvingo’s Bicycle Licence Crackdown

Masvingo has officially joined a small group of Zimbabwean cities by introducing a mandatory licence for all bicycles used on its roads. This move, enacted through a new statutory instrument, requires cyclists to pay an annual fee and display a token on their bikes, or face fines and impoundment.

The announcement follows a similar recent rollout in Marondera, confirming a trend of local authorities seeking new revenue streams from non-motorised transport.

The Cost Of Pedalling In Masvingo

The City of Masvingo’s new by-laws, gazetted as Statutory Instrument 211 of 2025, require every cyclist to obtain a valid cycle licence. The annual fee for this licence is set at US$5 (approx. R90). Upon payment, the cyclist receives a token which must be physically attached to the bicycle.

An official from the council explained the requirement, stating:

“No person is permitted to use, cause, or permit to be used, any cycle on any road within the council area unless there is a valid cycle licence in force.”

The legislation meticulously mirrors motor vehicle regulations. It mandates that the metal or plastic token must be “firmly affixed to the left side of the hub on the front wheel.” The by-laws also cover change of ownership, demanding a fresh US$5 fee and registration within fourteen days of a sale.

Fines And Impoundment For Non-Compliance

The council has established significant penalties to enforce compliance. Authorities have the power to stop and inspect any bicycle. Riding without a valid licence carries a penalty fee of US$5 (approx. R90). However, the real financial sting comes from the impoundment process.

If a bicycle is seized, the owner must pay the penalty plus storage fees. According to the fee schedules, storage costs are set at US$10 (approx. R180). Therefore, a cyclist caught without a US$5 licence could end up paying at least US$15 (approx. R270) to reclaim their bicycle.

The Herald reports that this model is not entirely new, noting:

“[The] licence fee exists in Harare but it has largely not been enforced by the city fathers.”

This reference confirms that such bylaws have existed elsewhere, with Marondera’s March 2025 announcement bringing the issue back into public debate.

Public Reaction And Wider Context

The announcement has sparked considerable discussion online and among residents. Many cyclists, who often rely on bicycles due to the high cost of fuel and public transport, view the fee as an additional burden.

When asked about the purpose of the revenue, the Masvingo council stated its position is to regulate cycling. The theoretical justification, as seen in other countries like Switzerland, which is considering a similar tax, is to contribute to infrastructure. However, there is no specific clause in the Masvingo by-laws ring-fencing the collected fees for cyclist-specific amenities like dedicated lanes or secure racks.

The move places Masvingo alongside Harare and Marondera as urban centres with active bicycle licensing bylaws, creating a new routine cost for a growing number of commuters.