It was Edward Butler, an Englishman, who built the first motor tricycle in 1884. The first gasoline-engine motorcycle to appear publicly was built by Gottlieb Daimler, of Bad Cannstatt, Germany, in 1885. The first practical engines and motorcycles were designed by the French and Belgians, followed by British, German, Italian, and American makers.

The popularity of the vehicle grew, especially after 1910. During World War I, the motorcycle was used by all branches of the armed forces in Europe, principally for dispatching. After the war, it enjoyed a sport vogue until the Great Depression began in 1929. After World War II, a revival of interest in motorcycles lasted into the late 20th century, with the vehicle being used for high-speed touring and sport competitions.

The practice of attaching auxiliary engines to bicycles in Western Europe and parts of the United States led to the development during the 1950s of a new type of light motorcycle, the moped. Originating in Germany as a 50-cubic-centimetre machine with simple controls and low initial cost, it was largely free of licensing and insurance regulations except in Great Britain.

These motorcycles first came to the Wa Township through the government and missionaries to some government institutions and catholic priests in the town respectively in the 19^th century. Later, some individuals were able to possess it individually.

The motorcycle in the Wa Township has become an essential means of transport to many people today, which gives comfort and pleasure. It saves a lot of time in getting to and from work, and in visiting people and events. In some remote areas of the Wa Township where it costs to use a taxi or buses are inadequate and infrequent, the motorcycle transports people to and fro. Students of the University for Development Studies are not an exception when it comes to motorcycle use in the Wa Township, they often depend on these motorcycles for movement to and from their lectures which is of merit in the Wa Township. It also provides mobility for town riding and leisure outings to most residents of the Wa Township.

The sports motorcycle enthusiasts often spend countless time and money on their machines, chrome plated engines are just a small luxury for these motorcycle lovers. I can see the reason they enjoy their motorcycles so much. Nothing can diminish the thrill of being behind the wheel of a true aristocrat of motorcycles, such as Yamaha, AG, Sukida, Luojia, Royal, Haojin etc. Of course this is perhaps a rather selfish reason for supporting motorcycle ownership. However, we should also remember that these motorcycles create many jobs in the Wa Township, ranging from selling and maintenance. Building roads for them, providing them with petrol and oil, all these services create employment for people and incomes which they can spend on goods and services.

However, the motorcycle is something of a luxury to many people in the township of Wa. It is too expensive to buy and run for many families nowadays. In addition to the purchase price, it has to be taxed and insured. It needs petrol and must be regularly maintained.

To me, one of the most neglected issues surrounding the motorcycle is its careless usage and riding without helmet which is of increase in the Wa Township. Most of these motorcyclists ride carelessly in town and a look at the way cyclists or these riders sit on these motorcycles will tell anybody about their inexperience in the usage of these motorcycles. Also, a look will tell you how many of these motor cycles/cyclists have gone through the due processes at the Driver and Vehicle License Authority (DVLA) in the town before. A lot of them have not been registered, most of the cyclists do not use their traffic indicators and their level of awareness is low and most of them are very wretched. A handful of these riders in town possess riding licenses or wear helmets. With the above, one can account for the rampant accidents that do occur with the use of these motorcycles in the Wa Township.  Most of these riders ride's carelessly and are inexperience when on the road.

Despite all the motorcycle's advantages in the township, there are its many disadvantages to consider. Rampant accidents because of its careless usage such as over-speeding, riding without helmets, most important of all lack of usage of traffic regulations and paying attention to them. I do feel though, that a balance has to be struck between the careless, improper and inexperience usage and the proper usage of these motor cycles so that we do not lose valuable lives through accidents from these motorcycles, many of us have come to take for granted.

Kuder N. Christian

cris.kuder@yahoo.com

UDS-Wa Campus

0205367218/0249486653

This article has been read 154 times

Comments

Please Login to Add Comments