Motorcycle taxis, commonly known as bodaboda, are popular for their speed, maneuverability, and cost-effectiveness. However, behind the convenience and affordability lie significant health risks that users and riders should be aware of.
Dr. Deogratius Mahenda from Muhimbili National Hospital explains that riding motorcycles on poorly maintained roads can lead to severe back and waist pain. These conditions can potentially affect reproductive organs and male potency over time.
While the immediate benefits of using bodaboda services are clear, including rapid travel and avoiding traffic jams, the health impacts are less visible but equally important. According to health experts, the long-term exposure to poor road conditions can result in chronic health problems, including reduced male sexual health.
Many motorcycle riders report experiencing frequent respiratory issues. Daniel William, a bodaboda rider in Dar es Salaam, suffers from chest and lung problems. He attributes these issues to the dust and debris stirred up by motorcycles and passing vehicles. “Without a helmet, the cold wind and dust can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation,” he says.
Hashim Bariki, another rider, mentions suffering from back and waist pain due to potholes and rough roads. “Riding on bad roads causes significant discomfort, especially in the back and waist, due to the jarring from the potholes,” he explains.
Hamza Juma, who also rides in the city, deals with itchy hands, particularly at night, which he links to the vibrations and poor road conditions. “The itching feels like being pricked with needles, especially after long hours of riding on rough roads,” he says.
Dr. Mahenda highlights that riding motorcycles on bad roads may affect male reproductive health. “The impact on the back and waist from riding can lead to issues with reproductive organs and potentially affect male potency,” he warns.
Additionally, the loud music often played by riders poses a threat to hearing health. Dr. Edwin Lyombo, an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, notes that loud noises can gradually reduce hearing ability. “High noise levels without adequate protection can damage hearing over time, and riders might not notice the effects immediately,” he explains.
Dr. Hussein Mwanga, a Specialist in Occupational Medicine and a lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, outlines both short-term and long-term health effects of riding bodabodas. Short-term effects include respiratory infections, while long-term exposure can lead to chronic lung conditions due to dust and smoke. “Long-term exposure to dust can damage the lungs similarly to smoking, potentially leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” he adds.
Dr. Mwanga also warns about the risks of asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions, which can be exacerbated by poor road conditions and lack of protective gear. “Motorcycle riders are at risk of developing serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease if they do not use proper protective equipment and if roads are not maintained,” he says.
To mitigate these risks, Dr. Mwanga advises that motorcycle riders should wear protective gear, including masks and helmets, and emphasizes the need for improved road maintenance. “It is crucial for the country to take measures to reduce air pollution and maintain clean roads to lower the risk of health problems,” he concludes.
