Paradox of motorcycles’ high speed to destination and death

By Linda WambuaThe new and increasingly popular means of transport popularly known as boda boda poses huge road safety challenges, especially this festive season.With the increase in the number of people travelling, motorcycle and bicycle riders are ready for a huge payday.However, most riders are far from enforcing safety regulations, leave alone receiving proper training and licences for this job.Recently, President Kibaki directed the immediate enforcement of the laws that require all motorcycles to be insured and their riders properly trained and licensed.He expressed concern over the increasing number of deaths and serious injuries involving motorcycle riders and passengers, saying the situation called for urgent and sustainable interventions to curb road accidents and avert increased deaths and injuries.Good enoughBut little has been done to enforce safety regulations, and judging from the riders’ words, the sector could be headed for worse times."It is very expensive to train and with the few months I have been in the business, I find my skills good enough," says Ben Momanyi, a motorcycle rider in Mlolongo.Gucha Traffic Boss Vincent Omuse inspects impounded motorcycles in Ogembo Police Station. 45 motorcycles, most of which did not have registration numbers and insurance, were seized. [PHOTO: KENAN MIRUKA / STANDARD]That is a mirror of what transpires in the sector, yet no cyclist is permitted to carry passengers without first undergoing a safety course and spending some time practising in a low-traffic area before venturing onto a busy road.On the use of helmets, Momanyi finds them irritating and cannot stand the heat especially on a sunny day. "The helmet is so uncomfortable and can turn hair grey. I only put it on to avoid police arrest," he says. Momanyi, who earns approximately Sh3,000 a day takes no safety precaution, and can carry more than one passenger to make extra cash."I expect to make more money this month due to the increase in the number of people moving around," he says. This is the scenario in most places where motorcycles are the main means of transport.Despite the presidential directive that requires all riders and passengers to use helmets and reflective jackets, and motorcycle taxis not to carry more than one passenger at a time, the sector is still in shambles.Deadly rideA number of passengers who have seen and read about the damage caused by motorcycles swear that they never use them."Riding on motorcycles is like digging your own grave. Those things are fatal, and their rides terrible. They should be banned from our roads," decries Boniface Bwana, a resident of Nairobi.He terms those who use boda bodas as lazy. "The use of motorcycles as a means of transport in Kenya started recently. How did people survive without them?" he poses.However, some people blame law enforcers for the ills that are rampant in the sector."If all systems work accordingly, accidents could be reduced. That will result to less deaths and a reduction in fractures and spinal cord injuries," says Joshua Wamalwa, who frequently uses boda bodas.He terms it impossible the thought of walking compared to using a motorcycle."It is fast, convenient and reliable. Sometimes you may need to rush to a place where no vehicle can access and boda bodas come in handy," he says adding, "Despite the fact that they pose big risks to our lives, they can save lives especially in areas where there are no vehicles."Besides, the business has created employment and income for the youth.""When I came to the city, I had no job. I worked at Mastermind Tobacco for some time and when I had raised enough to buy a motorbike, I did not hesitate. At the moment, I comfortably feed my family. I have also put up some small business for my wife," says Peter Ombae, another motorcyclist.It is hard to convince the likes of Ombae whose lives would be miserable in the absence of this ‘deadly’ automotive.But if proper statistics were to be taken, could losses emanating from the sector exceed gains?Only time will tell.The writer is pursuing a Masters in Communication Studies at the University of Nairobi.&#12288;

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