TRANSPORT DAY EDITORIAL
The world over, motorcycle as a means of road transportation has been acknowledged, as it contributes significantly to complement the motor car which is the main device for road transportation mode.
Motorcycles are the advanced form of bicycles because they are propelled not by peddling but by attached motors powered by conventional fuel or green fuel.
In Nigeria, motorcyclists, simply known as okada in some areas, is now a very common means of road transportation as it is seen in almost all cities, towns and villages.
These okadas had an easy ride to the centre stage because of so many factors chief among them being bad roads, traffic congestion, inadequate and or ill-maintained vehicles used for public transportation, the dwindling purchasing power of the common man among others.
However, over the years, these okadas began to constitute a lot of hazards to society as government and concerned watchers have noted.
Hardly can you find well-trained okada riders. Many of those riding are ill-trained. The okadas hardly observe road traffic rules, they ride without helmets and side mirrors.
Other vices easily associated with okadas are over speeding, overloading, unregistered bikes, unauthorized use of car horns etc.
Worried by these vices, governments at different levels have responded by applying different measurements especially ban from operations in different areas.
However, these motorcycle operators are defying the measures put in place by the government as they can be seen operating in areas where they have been banned from operating, especially in Lagos, Abuja and some other cities.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that a blanket ban by governments may not achieve the desired impact if the necessary affordable transport infrastructure is not provided.
Those allowed to operate should be given the necessary training and road safety enlightenment, as our checks show that the rider’s card can easily be obtained without any form of training.
