The influx of
commercial motorcycle riders otherwise called “Okada” and their recklessness have been fingered as one of the major factors that cause road accidents in Bonny Island in Rivers State.
A former youth leader in the area, Comrade Adonye Hart, dropped the hint while reacting to the recent Okada accident that claimed two lives in Bonny during an interview with The Tide correspondent in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Hart, who is also a member of the motorcycle union in the area said the growing number of Okada riders in Bonny Island had become alarming, as they have eventually taken over all the roads in the town and other smaller routes, thereby causing a lot of nuisance with their reckless manner of riding.
According to him, most of them ride without helmets and care little for the lives of their passengers and other road users.
The former youth leader noted that many accidents, deaths and injuries in Bonny Island were caused by commercial motorcycle riders, and called on the authorities to caution them on how best to ride a cycle in such an area in order to avoid further loss of lives.
He said although their services are very helpful in most interior and remote areas, but that life is precious and it would be wise to observe all safety measures at all time.
The comrade also lamented on the deplorable condition of some roads  in the Island and called for urgent rehabilitation to further avoid unforeseen accidents.
He also advised on the introduction of speed limit and compulsory use of helmet for safety, “as boat drivers also use life jackets for their safety while on board speed boats”.
Hart, however, used the forum to appeal to the authorities to come out with a blue print on how best to curb motorcycle accidents on the road.

Collins Barasimeye