Analysis of Motorcycle Taxi Operations and Road Safety Implications in Kano Metropolis

Motorcycle taxis, locally referred to as Okada, continue to serve as a dominant mode of urban mobility in many Nigerian cities despite persistent safety concerns and regulatory restrictions. This study analyses the operational dynamics and road safety implications of motorcycle taxi services in Kano Metropolis, one of the largest urban centres in the North West geopolitical zone. A survey design was employed, collecting data from 150 motorcycle operators and 100 passengers through structured interviews and accident records obtained from the Federal Road Safety Corps Kano Command. The study examines operator licensing rates, helmet usage compliance, route patterns, and the frequency of recorded accidents involving motorcycles over a three-year period. Findings show that over 60 percent of sampled operators lack valid commercial riding licenses, and helmet usage compliance is below 30 percent. The study attributes these deficiencies to weak enforcement, low regulatory awareness, and the informal nature of the sector. Accident data reveal that motorcycle taxis account for approximately 38 percent of all road traffic fatalities recorded in the study area. Recommendations include mandatory licensing programmes, enhanced enforcement of traffic regulations, and the formal integration of motorcycles into the urban transport plan of Kano State. The study offers useful evidence for local government transport authorities seeking to balance mobility provision with road safety imperatives. Keywords: motorcycle taxi, road safety, Kano, Okada, transport regulation.