After the civil crisis in Liberia,
many youths became vulnerable; the lives of young people became boring and
crime rates started to increase in the country. After a while, the livelihoods
of youths started to improve and crime rates started to decline gradually, when
motorcycles were introduced into Liberian society. I believe that, the
objective of introducing motorcycle in Liberia is to create income for war-affected
youths as well as making transportation easier for post-war Liberians.
Currently, motorcycle riding in Liberia is a business that serves as a major
source of income for many youths. However, some motorcyclists (numbers on the
rise) have now altered the way in which I think of this industry within our
society by involving themselves with negative activities that are often
devastating.
While I am still a great lover of
motorcycle riding in Liberia, my friends have stopped asking me if I want to
ride on a motorcycle. However, the perpetuation of violence, the intake of illicit substances,
the practice of excessive
speed, the misuse
of various traffic lights, the refusal of helmet usage and the act of dishonesty practiced
by some motorcyclists are reasons for which I rather walk than ride on a motorcycle.
It is not my intention to conclude
that, the attitudes revealed by motorcyclists in Liberia show them to be bad
people; what I do intend is to draw attention to the fact that the majority of
motorcyclists in Liberia are engaged in negatives activities.
The use of violence amongst
motorcyclists is a great issue affecting Liberian society. Between the years
2009 and 2010, motorcyclists in Gbarnga City and other parts of Bong County led
a rebellion against the police force in the city. This violence resulted in the burning of
the Ganta Parking Police Station and even the burning of the Liberian Flag.
More recently, motorcyclists in Monrovia burned a commercial bus because one of
their friends was involved in an accident with that particular vehicle which
resulted in his death. Based on the negative reaction to the situation by other
motorcyclists, the Liberian government embarked on a policy that prohibits
motorcyclists riding on major streets in Monrovia. I do not intend to bore you
with full details of these instances, but rather, to provide evidence that
supports my opinion that the most clearly visible, negative aspect of some
Liberian motorcyclists is violence.
Alongside this, some motorcyclists
are involved in the intake of illicit substances (drugs and alcohol); the
unpleasant smells of marijuana, cane-juice, palm-wine and other intoxicating
substances are the daily perfumes of some motorcyclists. Like me, other
passengers riding on motorcycles feel very uncomfortable with these unpleasant
smells.
Another discouraging attitude of
motorcyclists is excessive speed. On highways, in cities, school zones and
other places, there are specific speed limits. However, motorcyclists often
ignore specific speed limits and embark on excessive speed without taking into
consideration the type of area(s) involved. The most troublesome results of
this problem are horrible accidents that often yield the deaths of
motorcyclists and their passengers.
The misuse of various traffic lights
on motorcycles is about a puzzling situation. I expect motorcyclists to be up
to date when it relates to the usage of various traffic lights on their
motorcycles; every light on a motorcycle has a specific time to be used. For
instance, there are lights designed to be used at an intersection/a junction to
indicate one’s direction, while others are designed for emergency use only.
But, it can be frustrating, puzzling, and even life-threating to see
motorcyclists using these lights incorrectly and unnecessarily.
Moreover, the refusal of several
motorcyclists to use a helmet is a primitive attitude that does not suit a
modern society. The first warning on every motorcycle reads “Always wear a
helmet.” Helmets are very important in motorcycle riding. They help to protect
the head, especially in the times of accidents. Even though, police serve to
protect lives and properties, but I am often irritated whenever I see
compassionate police cautioning anti-helmet motorcyclists, who, deserve punishment
for their law breaching behavior.
In addition, the act of dishonesty
practiced by countless motorcyclists is the most harmful practice in business.
I noticed this when I asked some individuals about their opinions regarding the
relationship between motorcyclists and their passengers; I received so many
discouraging responses. Due to inadequate space and time, I would like to
mention one answer that I got from one of the respondents who happens to be a
student. According to this individual, he woke up one morning and got ready for
school. He had only $ 50.00 Liberian Dollars as his to and fro transportation
fare, with nothing left to even buy cold water at recess period. That morning
on his way to school, he was unfortunate to come in contact with an unjust
motorcyclist who took him on campus. He felt very discouraged in that this
unjust guy demanded him to pay $ 40.00 for $ 15.00 Liberian Dollars distance.
Business requires reputable individuals; it is a shame to see dishonest people operating
in the business world.
In conclusion, this composition does
not intend to undermine motorcycle riding in Liberia, but rather to identify
problems hindering the operation in the country. It is necessary for relevant
stakeholders to design polices that will enhance motorcycle riding in our society.
For example, the necessary ministry with the aid of other local counties
authorities would design polices that will regulate transportation fare in
various parts of the country. While other agencies in collaboration with
traffic police would put necessary mechanisms in place to ensuring that traffic
motorcyclists are free of intoxicating substances. By this means, Liberia would
have a vibrant motorcycle sector that will positively contribute to transportation
in the country.
By Peter N. Dolo
