By Rachel Kakraba
Some road safety stakeholders have renewed calls for the introduction of dedicated lanes for motorcycles as part of efforts to reduce road crashes and improve traffic management.
They argue that separating motorcycles from other vehicles would significantly reduce collisions, which are often caused by lane-sharing, sudden overtaking, and congestion on major roads. The suggestions came up strongly during a stakeholder rally on motorcycle helmet standard, speed management and motorcycle safety in Accra, organised by the Legal Resource Centre, LRC, which is a non-governmental organisation, in road safety.
According to the stakeholders, Passage of the Reviewed Road Safety Act which commercializes motorcycle operations will see an influx of motorcycles hence the need for authorities to rethink road infrastructure to enhance safety and also improve efficiency in urban transport systems.
Okada Riders Association
In a submission, Mr. James Morgan, the National Road Safety Officer Okada Riders Association, said riders on a daily basis are confronted with frequent intimidation by other motorists including commercial drivers, private vehicles, taxis and buses who fail to recognise their right to use the road.
This, he said, results in very dangerous situations contributing to the increasing number of road crashes involving motorcycles.
Okada Riders share experience
Many of the okada riders who contributed to the discussions recounted instances where they narrowly escaped crashes after being intimidated by other road users.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is when drivers refuse to give us space,” one rider said.
“Some overtake dangerously and push us to the edge of the road. In many cases, this causes riders to lose control.”
Another rider noted that the situation is especially dangerous during peak hours when traffic is heavy and road users become impatient.
They called for greater public education to promote mutual respect among all road users.
The riders also urged the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department to intensify enforcement against reckless driving and acts of road intimidation.
LRC lauds creation of motorcycle lanes
The Legal Resource Centre (LRC), an NGO in road safety has been a force to be reckoned with in Ghana’s road safety initiatives. The organization has been supporting advocacy interventions towards the passage of the reviewed Road Safety Act and the Development of Standards on Motorcycle Helmets.
Programmes Manager and Lawyer, Enock Jengre Esq., said creation of dedicated motorcycle lanes is a step in the right direction. He recommended commencing the initiative with the construction of new roads.
“The old roads may be difficult, but the new roads that are springing up, we can factor dedicated motorcycle lanes, because motorcycle riders, now compete with drivers for space”
He said road designs must at all times factor all other road users.
“In terms of road design, let’s design our road by factoring every road user this is very important”
Mr. Jengre Esq, expressed concern over what he described as indiscipline demonstrated by some motorcycle riders on major roads. This, he said, causes public disaffection and encouraged riders to abide by all traffic regulation.
“Sadly, how some motorcycle riders ride on the road is very poor and very bad. Sometimes you may be driving and by the time you realize a motorcycle user one from your right, one from your left, and you are in the middle at the same time, and they are crisscrossing, it can easily cause road crash.”
Mr. Jengre Esq., further stressed that alongside infrastructure changes, rider education and strict enforcement of traffic regulations remain critical in ensuring discipline on the roads.
He also encouraged the media to constantly create awareness on road crashes for behavioral change among motorists.
National Road Safety Authority
Mr. Dennis Yeribu, Principal Planning Manager, National Road Safety Authority, NRSA, said the Authority has for years been advocating the construction of separate lanes or dedicated lanes for motorcycle use, because riders are more exposed and vulnerable.
“The authority has also been advocating for the construction of separate lanes or dedicated lanes for motor riders, so that it will separate two wheelers from four wheelers, because the two wheelers are very vulnerable road users. Whenever there is a collision, they are gravely injured and sometimes fatally injured”
He said the cost benefit of such a project is enormous hence the need for it to be prioritized.
“Anything which will save lives is a priority for us, so while we know that it’s an economic burden, where we have to get a lot of capital to expand such infrastructure, we also want to make sure that the riders are safe”
The NRSA, he stated, will focus on training riders and also build the capacity of drivers to acknowledge and accommodate other road users like the two and three wheelers on the road, as well as pedestrians for the safe use of the roads.
