The impact of commercial motorcycle operation on urban road security in Nigeria: A case study of Minna, Niger State

Abstract

This paper examines the increasing use of motorcycles as means of public transportation in Minna, especially against the need to overcome delays and other problems associated with the urban bus transportation system and the high incidence of traffic snarls that have become a permanent feature of urban centres. The paper also examines the implications of this mode of transportation on the security of lives of commuters and other road users in the study area. In carrying out this study 250 questionnaires were administered on randomly selected motorcycle operators in the study area on different aspects of their operations. In addition, data were sourced from both Nigerian Police and the Federal Roads Safety Commission in Minna on the rate of accidents involving commercial motorcyclists in the city. Data were also obtained from the General Hospital, Minna on the number of patients that have either died or treated for various injuries sustained from accidents involving commercial motorcyclists. Amongst others, the study revealed that increasing number of people are being killed, disabled or injured in accidents involving commercial motorcycle operation. Amongst others, the study recommends that the time and areas of the commercial motorcyclists should be controlled and their operation regularly monitored by the relevant traffic management agencies.