THE explosion of motorcycles in Africa is projected to escalate to new levels as the two-wheelers become a viable alternative means of transport for majority of the continent’s population.
According to the World Bank, Africa’s population is forecast to reach 2.8 billion by 2060, something that will exert more pressure on governments to develop and strengthen transport networks.
Although the motorcycle transport system is widespread in East African countries like Tanzania, motorbikes or boda-bodas, as they are called in some regions of Africa, are also a common feature in Nigeria and South Africa.
And now the use of motorcycles has also become common in Zambia, initially concentrated in Chipata, Eastern Province.
Motorbikes are now being used as taxis both in urban and rural areas, and for light luggage courier services.
Statistics by Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) show an increase in the number of motorbikes registered from 4,226 in 2022 to 9,681 in 2023.
However, this is not a reflection of the actual number of motorbikes which are in the country because there are many others that are not registered.
These unregistered motorcycles are used on the roads illegally. The owners do not pay road tax, licences, insurance, and do not take their bikes for fitness examination, resulting in loss of government revenue.
But the worst thing about the bourgeoned motorcycles in Zambia is that they have compromised road safety.
This is because of the recklessness of most riders.
They simply do not follow road traffic regulations, leading to needless accidents.
We, therefore, welcome the development that RTSA will be sensitising people on the importance of registering their motorcycles. It will also be reminding riders of their obligation to follow road traffic rules.
According to RTSA acting head of public relations Mukela Mangolwa, motorcycle riders are expected to adhere to the same road traffic rules as drivers of motor vehicles.
The non-adherence to road traffic regulations is apparently because most riders do not undergo proper training, but they are employed by bike owners who offer courier services.
In Lusaka and Chipata, it has become almost normal for the riders to overspeed, unnecessarily overtaking vehicles, and even ignoring red traffic lights.
In the end, it is the incidence of road traffic accidents that has risen. In fact, some riders find themselves in hit-and-run road accidents involving pedestrians on walkways.
As a result, road traffic accident casualties have become a common sight at University Teaching Hospitals partly because of the carelessness of most riders.
The boom in motorcycle transport in Zambia is certainly a good development because of the many benefits it has, such as creation of jobs and business opportunities.
Many riders have been engaged by the likes of Yango and use their motorbikes to transport parcels from one place to another.
Having a motorcycle taxi has become a source of income for many riders. It creates employment opportunities and contributes to local economies.
Also, motorbikes can weave through traffic more easily than cars, making them ideal for congested urban areas. They can take shortcuts and navigate narrow streets, saving time for passengers.
Therefore, the rise in the use of motorcycles in Zambia is a positive development as long as the riders strictly adhere to traffic regulations to enhance road safety and save the lives of various road users.
Motorcycles boom: Road safety awareness key
THE explosion of motorcycles in Africa is projected to escalate to new levels as the two-wheelers become a viable alternative means of transport for majority of the continent’s population.
According to the World Bank, Africa’s population is forecast to reach 2.8 billion by 2060, something that will exert more pressure on governments to develop and strengthen transport networks.
Although the motorcycle transport system is widespread in East African countries like Tanzania, motorbikes or boda-bodas, as they are called in some regions of Africa, are also a common feature in Nigeria and South Africa.
And now the use of motorcycles has also become common in Zambia, initially concentrated in Chipata, Eastern Province.
Motorbikes are now being used as taxis both in urban and rural areas, and for light luggage courier services.
Statistics by Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) show an increase in the number of motorbikes registered from 4,226 in 2022 to 9,681 in 2023.
However, this is not a reflection of the actual number of motorbikes which are in the country because there are many others that are not registered.
These unregistered motorcycles are used on the roads illegally. The owners do not pay road tax, licences, insurance, and do not take their bikes for fitness examination, resulting in loss of government revenue.
But the worst thing about the bourgeoned motorcycles in Zambia is that they have compromised road safety.
This is because of the recklessness of most riders.
They simply do not follow road traffic regulations, leading to needless accidents.
We, therefore, welcome the development that RTSA will be sensitising people on the importance of registering their motorcycles. It will also be reminding riders of their obligation to follow road traffic rules.
According to RTSA acting head of public relations Mukela Mangolwa, motorcycle riders are expected to adhere to the same road traffic rules as drivers of motor vehicles.
The non-adherence to road traffic regulations is apparently because most riders do not undergo proper training, but they are employed by bike owners who offer courier services.
In Lusaka and Chipata, it has become almost normal for the riders to overspeed, unnecessarily overtaking vehicles, and even ignoring red traffic lights.
In the end, it is the incidence of road traffic accidents that has risen. In fact, some riders find themselves in hit-and-run road accidents involving pedestrians on walkways.
As a result, road traffic accident casualties have become a common sight at University Teaching Hospitals partly because of the carelessness of most riders.
The boom in motorcycle transport in Zambia is certainly a good development because of the many benefits it has, such as creation of jobs and business opportunities.
Many riders have been engaged by the likes of Yango and use their motorbikes to transport parcels from one place to another.
Having a motorcycle taxi has become a source of income for many riders. It creates employment opportunities and contributes to local economies.
Also, motorbikes can weave through traffic more easily than cars, making them ideal for congested urban areas. They can take shortcuts and navigate narrow streets, saving time for passengers.
Therefore, the rise in the use of motorcycles in Zambia is a positive development as long as the riders strictly adhere to traffic regulations to enhance road safety and save the lives of various road users.