The Nigerian government is cracking down on bikers who are skirting its new motorcycle helmet law.
Motorcycles are a common means to move about the country, but helmets that cost $20-$30 are easily stolen. Many of the bikers operate as taxis. When they reach their destination, many passengers steal the helmet.
The bikers have responded with improvised helmets – calabashes.
A calabash is a dried pumpkin shell used to carry water.
The police have impounded thousands of bikes by calabash wearers around the country.
According to the BBC:
Kano Federal Road Safety Commission commander Yusuf Garba told the BBC they were taking a hard line with people found using the improvised helmets.
“We are impounding their bikes and want to take them to court so they can explain why they think wearing a calabash is good enough for their safety,” he said.
The bikers have taken to protests, but the government does not show any desire to back down. Motorcyclists are considered a hazard in most Nigerian cities, weaving in and out of traffic, and the cause of numerous accidents.
