Unveiling Chaos Of A Bad Company — Tricycle Menace Takes Over Our Streets

I encountered a tricycle rider wearing a T-shirt that read "WE ARE BAD COMPANY" on July 19, 2023, in the Kumasi metropolis. The prevalence of negative news about tricycle operations in Africa, particularly in Ghana, has prompted this piece for reflection.

In the bustling urban landscapes of today, a silent menace has steadily infiltrated the core of our daily lives. The increasing use of tricycles (commonly known as Pragyia) in Kumasi and other parts of Ghana has become a true disruptor, causing a range of issues that undermine urban living. In this exposé, we delve into the turmoil unleashed by the uncontrolled proliferation of tricycles, revealing a web of chaos that encompasses traffic disturbances, safety hazards, environmental degradation, and the abandonment of urban planning.

Traffic Turmoil: A Symphony of Anarchy

As tricycles invade the streets, the once harmonious movement of vehicles has descended into chaos. These motorized nuisances, often operated by individuals who disregard order, maneuver unpredictably through traffic, oblivious to the angry honks of frustrated drivers. Streets meant to ease travel have transformed into battlegrounds of vehicular competition, as tricycles casually obstruct the flow of traffic, causing exasperating gridlocks during peak hours. The absence of dedicated tricycle lanes worsens the situation, as these unruly vehicles dominate every inch of the road.

Safety Hazards: Roulette on Three Wheels

The tricycle menace not only disrupts traffic but also jeopardizes the safety of passengers and pedestrians. Due to their small size and questionable stability, tricycles pose an imminent danger. Reckless driving, fueled by a lack of proper training and oversight, is a common occurrence, with tricycle operators careening through the streets as if they are invincible. The risk of accidents and collisions skyrockets, turning these motorized vehicles into instruments of peril. Tricycles invade sidewalks, once sanctuaries for pedestrians, without regard for their safety, making even short walks a risky gamble.

Environmental Degradation: Fumes of Folly

The tricycle menace not only jeopardizes our physical well-being but also casts a shadow of environmental degradation over our urban landscapes. Powered by antiquated and polluting two- stroke engines, tricycles emit clouds of noxious fumes that choke the air we breathe. The streets, once bustling with daily life, now bear witness to a toxic haze that threatens the health of both riders and bystanders. As cities worldwide strive for sustainability and cleaner air, the reckless propagation of these polluting machines stands as proof of our collective disregard for the environment.

Urban Planning Derailment: Disorder in Disguise

The disarray caused by tricycle usage extends beyond the physical realm and has infiltrated urban planning. The uncontrolled proliferation of tricycles creates cluttered streets marred by haphazardly parked vehicles. Our urban landscapes lose their aesthetic appeal as tricycles claim every available space. Attempts at urban planning and organization are thwarted as these machines refuse to adhere to any semblance of order. Planners struggle to integrate tricycle routes and parking zones into an already complex infrastructure.

Reining in the Menace: A Glimmer of Hope

In the face of this tricycle-induced turmoil, decisive action is necessary. We must establish regulations that effectively rein in this growing menace. Comprehensive training and licensing for tricycle operators are crucial, fostering a culture of responsible driving. Strict emission standards should be implemented to minimize environmental impact, while incentives can encourage the transition to cleaner energy sources like electric tricycles. Dedicated tricycle lanes and parking zones must be introduced to bring order to the chaos.

Conclusion
The tricycle menace, once perceived as a benign presence on our streets, has transformed into a malevolent force that threatens the essence of urban living. With traffic congestion, safety hazards, environmental degradation, and urban planning disarray, uncontrolled tricycle usage demands immediate attention. As we face this precipice of disorder, it is imperative that we join forces to confront this menace head-on. By imposing rigorous regulations, promoting responsible driving/riding, and reimagining urban planning, we can restore order and harmony to our streets, ensuring that the tricycle menace becomes a mere chapter in the history of urban development, and its bad company accolade must be taken away.