Assessing the Roles of Commercial Motorcycles on Economic Development in Auchi, Edo State.

ABSTRACT This study assessed the role of Commercial Motorcycle on Economic Development in Auchi, Edo State. The study adopted the primary data sources for eliciting data for the study and a total of 245 questionnaires were administered along Jattu junction, to Igbe Road and Igbe Road to Poly Road using simple random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed, using frequency count and percentages. The findings from the study shows that; motorcycle has helped to provide employment for many including motorcycle operators, spare parts dealers, ticket and park personnels, mechanics among others. It has also helped to improve transportation in the area by providing door to door services for the people and due to its size it is able to help a lot of people meet up with their target by maneuvering in cases of traffic congestion. It is the most patronized means of transport in the area mostly due to its availability, affordability, ability to beat traffic jam among others. Some of the challenges facing the usage include overloading, reckless driving, corrupt practices from security personnel and traffic wardens, bad roads among others. It was suggested that; government should devote more attention to continuous maintenance of road transport infrastructure in order to eliminate the unnecessary traffic congestion in parts of Auchi, tricycle operations should be incorporated into urban transportation planning in Nigeria; both the government and tricycle union should mete out appropriate sanctions against overloading and there should be proper enlightenment to other road users in accommodating tricycle operators in Auchi roads among others.