Source: Motorcyclists: The new threat on the roads -Newsday Zimbabwe
A NEW wave of mishikashika (pirate taxis) has emerged.
It is not the old Peugeot 504 station wagon that used to ferry passengers in town and most suburbs, which became known as the emergency taxis (ET) back then.
It’s not even the Volkswagen (Vhidha) bus with its engine at the back before it was replaced by the Ford Spectron and later the Toyota Hiace.
It’s not even the Honda Fit that is now notorious for causing extensive damage to bigger vehicles when involved in road accidents.
But, it is the motorbikes being used for deliveries in and around town.
It weaves and meanders in traffic, disregarding rules and regulations.but has ended many riders’ lives or has caused injuries to the owner.
This has prompted the police to issue a statement on riders.
Last week, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned motorcyclists to be very cautious on the road, reminding them of their vulnerability and potential to accidents when they fail to follow road rules and regulations.
“Motorcyclists are reminded that the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] is clear.Both riders and passengers must wear approved protective helmets at all times.
“Riders operating on a learner’s licence must display the prescribed L-plates and wear a helmet with a red ‘L’ inscription,” Nyati said in the statement.
“We will not tolerate any deviation from these requirements, any motorcyclist found flouting the law will face the full force of justice.”
The motorbike, itself a very useful mode of transportation as it is fast and saves fuel, has been used by people who seem not to care about their lives as well as other road users’.
NewsDay Weekender sought answers from riders on why this has been happening.
“This is our source of income, so sometimes we will be racing against time. I would need to reach my destination, deliver, get paid and look for other orders.
“Some of our clients are not very patient.If you delay, they will change their minds or someone will take the order,” said Simbarashe, a delivery guy.
Asked on why they use unregistered motorbikes, Simbarashe said at times it is not the rider’s fault.
“You see, some of the riders are employed. If the owner fails to register, the rider will use the bike as it is. This means if the bike is not registered, it cannot be licensed.”
Natasha Mutsvairo, a biker, said at times they are forced to do the unthinkable because some motorists do not respect motorcyclists.
“I concur with the police. Some bikers are reckless, and I always have discussions with fellow bikers on the need to be on high alert when riding.
“But there are also factors to consider here.
“There are now too many vehicles on the roads and some drivers are very impatient, they end up not noticing bikers.
“Riders should always bear in mind that not all motorists have a driver’s licence or are experienced.
“It is the reason why some shout at motorcyclists or even overtake awkwardly scaring away bikers.”
She said the current state of roads is very bad and most traffic lights do not work.
“There is need for awareness campaigns for bikers and motorists,” Natasha said.
“I also think that defensive driving should be mandatory.”
Stephen, a young motorist,urged his colleague to exercise caution.
“Motorists should exercise extreme caution. Those guys can overtake you from any side.
“At times, they will be very close to the vehicle that when you manoeuvre without checking your blind spot, you are likely to hit them.”
Media practitioner and bike enthusiast Tatenda Mutambara weighed in saying though bikers are trying to earn a living, they need to think of their safety too.
“Yes, these are people trying to earn an honest living, but they should also think of their safety,” he said.
“I have seen many flouting road rules, riding without helmets and safety gears, which is very bad.
“Some do not have licences and their bikes are not registered. They are not living in a jungle. This must stop this.”
Mutambara said some bikers carry explosives, adding that in the countryside,riders have a tendency of carrying more than the required number of passengers, worse without protective gear.
“I think there is need for awareness on both the motorists and riders. Long back, bikes were few on our roads, but now it has changed.
“Bikers need to come together and form their unions or associations that will help in addressing challenges they face.
“That way, they can engage key stakeholders and appropriate offices for awareness campaigns, recommendations or any suggestions.
“For example, they can engage commuter omnibus associations and map a way forward for co-existence on the road.”
Douglas Mellor, the managing director at Yamaha Marine Centrewhich specialises in bike assembling, concurred with Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, that safety on the road is a shared responsibility.
“We care about the riders. Despite being bike assemblers, we also produce recommended protective gear,” he said.
“We have been working with different organisations in raising awareness to road users on the need to respect motorcyclists.
“We have erected billboards around that talks about road safety.”
He added: “At our workshop, we show riders videos on proper use of the motorbike, maintenance and service. This is more like a defensive course for the rider.
“We realised that 80% of riders accidents involve commuter omnibus drivers while a good percentage happens at traffic lights.”
Mellor added that all bikes bought at their centre are registered and licensed before being handed to the owners, in compliance with the traffic rules and regulations.
He said they are ready to work with stakeholders since they are one of the leading bike assembler in the country, with its Crux and the Yamaha Brilliant Rider brands being the most sought-after on the market.
As organisations and individuals concur with the police on the need to observe road rules and regulations, there should be a decline in accidents as well as put a stop to lawlessness.
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