Transport Minister Severin Ndikumugongo signed an order on Monday that bars the push-peddlers from carrying passengers in a bid to reduce a rising number of traffic accidents blamed on the bicycles, state radio announced.

"The Minister for Transport, Posts and Telecommunications signed yesterday a ministerial ordinance that prohibits the operation of bicycle taxis on all streets in the republic for road safety reasons," the radio said.

Ndikumugongo acknowledged the decision was controversial but defended the step, saying it was necessary to reduce accidents, many of them fatal, caused by bicycle taxis which often weave perilously through motorised traffic.

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