Motorbike taxis are widely used in Yaoundé and Douala, despite their association with heightened accident risks and relatively high fares. This research combines qualitative methods, including 38 semi-structured interviews and direct field observations, with a quantitative survey of 280 motorbike taxi passengers (customers). It employs a dynamic risk approach to analyse both the factors motivating individuals to choose motorbike taxis and the strategies adopted by drivers and passengers to mitigate and prevent accidents. The findings reveal that speed, cost-effectiveness, and the limited accessibility of certain neighbourhoods to other transport options are key factors driving regular motorbike taxi use. Moreover, strategies for managing accident risks include regulating passenger positions based on gender, perceived age, or physical stature; invoking deities for protection; and passengers’ verbal interactions with drivers to ensure safer behaviour. This research also explores how overloading, a collectively tolerated deviance, is managed to avoid or minimize the impact of accidents. By addressing both risk acceptance and prevention strategies, this study provides new insights into passengers’ social perceptions, which are often overlooked in motorbike taxi research. It expands the understanding of motorbike taxi use in urban Global South transport contexts, particularly in terms of users’ risk management behaviours.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Navigating Risks and Realities: Understanding Motorbike Taxi Usage and Safety Strategies in Yaoundé and Douala (Cameroon)


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2025




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    Unknown





    Urban development, transport and energy in Douala, Cameroon

    Jemba, C. E. / Cooperation for the Continuing Development of Urban and Subarban Transportation | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000


    Assessment of Public Transportation Safety Measures in Yaoundé, Cameroon: Case of Collective Taxis

    Idris Karel Seunda Ekwe / Stephen Kome Fondzenyuy / Steffel Ludivin Feudjio Tezong et al. | DOAJ | 2024

    Free access

    Motorbike power supply circuit, motorbike power supply system and motorbike

    LAI GUOGUI / YUAN ZHANGPING / CHEN ZHIYONG et al. | European Patent Office | 2015

    Free access