![Sample our Geography journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5937/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Geography.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
In Sub-Saharan Africa, vulnerable road users make up approximately 50% of all traffic fatalities. Despite the dangers of using motorcycles for transportation, the usage of motorcycles—and more recently, motor tricycles—for both personal and commercial purposes has increased exponentially in most Sub-Saharan African cities. The study sought to study the safety, health and environmental impact of commercial motorcycles in Sub-Saharan African cities. Two cities—the national capital and a secondary city—were selected in each of our five study countries: Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Using a mixed-methods approach, motorcycle taxi operators were surveyed and key transport stakeholders were interviewed in these ten cities. In Ghana, where both motorcycle and motor-tricycle taxis are officially banned but continue to operate, we also surveyed motor-tricycle taxi operators. The results indicated variability in accident occurrence across countries for both minor and major road traffic collisions (RTCs) among motorcycle/tricycle taxi riders. Apart from Liberia, motorcycle/tricycle taxi unions in our study countries contribute to improving the safety of their riders. Interest in electric bikes is low amongst riders in all five countries, with education and infrastructure provision required to cause a shift from conventional bikes to electric bikes.
Acknowledgments
This work was possible with funding from the Mobility in African Cities (MAC) programme by the Volvo Research and Educational Foundation (VREF) [contract number EP-2019-MAC-07].
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Data availability statement
The data is available upon request.
Notes
1. RTC resulting in bruises or scratches and only requiring first aid without hospitalisation.
2. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.