In recent years, more parents in Tanzania have started using motorcycle taxis, commonly known as bodaboda, to transport their children to school. While this may seem like a quick and affordable solution to the daily transport challenge, experts are raising serious concerns about the safety of this practice.
Many parents choose motorcycle taxis because they are cheaper than school buses and more flexible with time. In areas where public transport is limited or unreliable, bodabodas seem to be the easiest way to ensure that children get to school on time.
However, safety experts and education stakeholders warn that this convenience comes at a cost. Most motorcycle taxis are not designed to safely carry young children. Riders often do not have child safety gear, and the motorcycles themselves may not be well-maintained.
There have been several reported accidents involving children on bodabodas. In some cases, children have suffered serious injuries due to speeding, lack of helmets, or careless riding. Many riders are also not professionally trained to handle school transport responsibilities.
One mother from Dar es Salaam shared her experience:
“I used to let my son go to school on a bodaboda, but after hearing about an accident involving a child from our neighborhood, I stopped. It’s just too dangerous.”
Road safety experts are calling on parents to think twice before choosing motorcycle taxis for school transport. According to them, children are more vulnerable in traffic and need extra protection.
Dr. Asha Mshana, a child safety advocate, says:
“Children should always be transported in safe, well-regulated vehicles. We understand the transport challenges many parents face, but putting children on motorcycles, especially without helmets, puts their lives at risk.”
The government and local authorities are being urged to improve school transport systems and create affordable options for families. At the same time, awareness campaigns are needed to educate parents on the dangers of using motorcycles for school transport.
Some schools have started offering group transport services at lower costs, while others are partnering with safe, licensed transport providers.
While motorcycle taxis might seem like a convenient option, especially in busy urban areas, the risks involved especially for children are far too great to ignore.
Parents are encouraged to prioritize safety over convenience and to explore safer alternatives wherever possible.
