Investigation of Risk Perception and Travel Behavior of Commercial Motorcycle (Okada) Riders in Metropolitan Lagos

Abstract

This study investigates the risk perception and travel behavior of commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders in Lagos, Nigeria. Given the critical role Commercial motorcycles (Okada) play in urban mobility amidst Lagos’s chronic traffic congestion, the research highlights growing concerns over their contribution to road traffic injuries and fatalities. Using a cross sectional survey design, data were collected from 300 Okada riders through structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The findings reveal that while riders acknowledge the risks associated with their occupation, particularly during night-time operations, economic necessity and social norms often compel them to engage in unsafe travel behaviors. Risk perception was found to significantly influence decisions regarding safety compliance, frequency of operations, route choices, and the use of protective gear. Demographic factors such as age, education level, and experience also shaped riders’ attitudes towards safety. Notably, 40% of respondents operated without a valid rider’s card, indicating regulatory lapses. Policy recommendations include enhanced safety awareness campaigns, rider training programs, stricter regulatory enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and community-based engagement strategies. The study advocates for a holistic approach to improving motorcycle transport safety in Lagos, thereby contributing to sustainable urban mobility and public health goals.