Insuring Africa's Love for Two Wheels
Two wheels have been around from mid-20th Century when DukaWallas first set up shop in Kenya's interior, or rather the East African "Protectorate". The bicycle was one hot commodity, as was the shuka and sufurias and, was the foundation of Sardar Singh Vohra's Serena Group of Hotels, which include The Serena, The Stanley, Panafric Hotel, Kabul Serena Hotel in Afghanistan. Motorcycles came in later and were mainly used for pleasure, until their adoption as field bikes by many agricultural concerns.
I actually got the idea to choose the imagery while riding my bicycle up Arboreteum Drive to Kileleshwa, on Sunday morning. The new cycling lane has improved the ease with which you can ride up the hill. Maybe this helped clear the "writer's block" I had been tackling, on whether to keep bicycles and motorcycles separate. I have been riding for the last four years for pleasure and fitness. When I started there were very few people, but today, when the weather is good, its not unusual to meet common-minded people over the weekends, these days.
Joggers train for The Stanchart Marathon, bikers train for The 10-to-4 Mountain Bike Race in Nanyuki, a 2-day race organised by The Mount Kenya Trust. I'm training for 2014, as I've been unable to attend previous races.
My graduation to off-road motorcycle riding came naturally, and much later, out of need to get around in the bush, as the roads got washed away and ended up being mud-pits, that made the wear-and-tear on a 4X4 very costly. Then, I opted to re-build an old Yamaha DT 125cc 2-stroke I found, somewhere in the sandy trails. With experience re-building tractors, it wasn't too much of a task, with a good mechanic.
Source: http://www.magicalafrica.net/motorcycle_safaris_in_kenya.htm
On Sunday mornings, we may monitor MotoGP races on DSTV SuperSport Channels. A few Kenyans are trying to revive the sport, with the coveted prize being "The Super Bike Trophy". Motorcycle racing started in the 1950s (?), and has contrinued with motocross events near Jamhuri Park, Nairobi. Sardar Harbans Singh Matharu, founder President of the East African Ramgharia Board, organised many motorcycle races, with "The Sikh Union Cup" being the coveted trophy. He had an avid interest in motorcycles, with 300cc and 500cc bikes. Here's an old picture from the old days.
Source: http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/heritage/sikhhert%20EAfrica/sikhsEAfricapart2.htm
Today's generation is coming up with a Superbike Trophy, as can be seen from their Face Book page https://www.facebook.com/TheSuperbikeTrophy We wish them all the best. I see the Ruiru Circuit being a major tourist attraction in future.
Lets look forward to the trial race on Sunday, July 21st 2013.
The growth of Motorcycle and Bicycle Commuters is growing. People are finding more economical ways of getting around Nairobi and its jams. The motorcycle commuter is a student, business person or professional who wants to get around and do things at their own pace. TVS recognised the needs of the Private Commuter and launched the Apache, a 160cc 4-stroke, that's very economical, and well-engineered with very low vibrations. The other brands popular with commuters in the 250cc range to 1200cc range are Yamaha, Honda, KTM, BMW, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
The challenges of supporting infrastructure are exemplified as follows:
Lack of designated motorcycle parking zones. Nairobi County only has one designated motorcycle parking zone next to Holy Family Basilica, for about fifteen (15) motorcycles. There is an "unofficial" consent by Council Askaris that you can park your motorcycle in-between two cars. You can pay a monthly fee for parking and park it like any other vehicle.
If you're a non-smoker, you're also conveniently placed next to the "smoker's cage".
There's the risk of an ad hoc seizure of your motorcycle, on a Friday afternoon. This is done conveniently since the Nairobi County Court is the only court in the land, operating under By Laws, whereby an "accuser" doesn't have to attend court and prove your guilt, unlike those under the Traffic Act. Your Guilt is presumed and you cannot prove your innocence. Some motorcycle riders I've talked to prefer Traffic Police to County Askaris, particularly those who ride for corporate entities.
- Poor road shoulders to ride on as faster moving traffic goes by.
Then there's the lack of focus on good motorcycle riding techniques by the driving schools, as its given the attention you would give to somebody learning how to ride a bicycle. There is no difference in the lessons whether you will end up riding in city traffic, or in a shamba. I believe this is where to address the problem of "Boda Boda" motorcycle accidents and, I'll illustrate with my own experience. When I joined a driving school, I had been riding off-road for about 6 months and, rehearsing techniques learnt on YouTube to be able to handle the motorcycle safely. Some of the issues I felt were not covered were well:
Source: Utah OHV Study Guide on "Off-Road Ed", Topic: Positioning your Body for Safety
- braking while taking a corner, how to avoid locking up your front tire, and throttle control (Source: Australia Government, Road Safety Campaign)
- standing on foot pegs while riding off-road
- shifting weight on foot pegs
- Group riding positions
- counter-steering, which is an emergency procedure that helps you avoid obstacles. Its a skill that is not consciously learned while riding bicycles but, in motorcycles you have to learn.
- cornering position off-road on loose surfaces and ruts
- proper and safe descents on muddy or slippery slopes
- locking the bike with your knees
- How to "fit" a motorcycle helmet before you buy one.
There is also other drivers' attitudes to motorcycle riders. They always assume they can overtake dangerously even if you're in the incoming lane.
The motorcycle accidents on Kenya's roads motivated The Standard's article on 11th June 2013 dubbed "Coffins on wheels: Boda Bodas turn roads into death traps". I have lost a fundi in a "boda boda" accident, and had another fundi injured and hospitalised for a few weeks.
Given the sad state of affairs, the adage "every ride is a potential accident" becomes an ever present reality.
Lets also not ignore the fact that "Boda Boda" operators lack the education on safety measures, first aid and finances to acquire safety devices such as helmets, boots, gloves, padded leather jackets, padded leather trousers, or body armor.
In fact, it was only after President Uhuru Kenyatta, as Finance Minister, waived import duty on motorcycle helmets that there was marked improvement in survival following road accidents. Whereas the helmets are cheap, you're advised to spend a bit more on good quality equipment.
The driving test was very professional and more rigorous for motorcycle riders on an "L-shaped" route, at Makadara Police Station, Nairobi. Its very similar to what other drivers overseas undergo, except for real african road surfaces, lets face it we're not in some sanitised utopian urban setting with tarmac roads ad infinitum. The Test.... Any small mistake and you failed. Luckily, I had practiced using videos on YouTube. I had a smooth slow start, controlled the revs on take-off and smoothly lifted my legs to the foot pegs, eased into 2nd gear then down shifted to 1st as I indicated right to make a sharp slow turn, without putting my leg down.... However, I did notice some of the other guys would have fared even better had they had the benefit of "better training".
A YouTube Video on Motorcycle Skills Tests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjqN_pqlp38
We Kenyans need to accept we don't have a culture for reading and self-improvement, whilst finding it very easy to put blame on Traffic Policemen, Road Designers and "Boda Boda" operators. If a teenager has a "thrill" of two wheels, manage it and research how to make him or her safer riders.
What insurance options are available for motorcycle Riders? Are they adequate?
All this "Bad Press" has impacted on motorcyclists being able to get good value-added insurance products. The "Boda Boda" compatriots seem to have stolen the thunder, but I'll highlight one good product on the market so that you may cover yourself and/or your child who has an interest in motor sports.
ICEA Lion Kenya provides Comprehensive Insurance against Theft, Accidental damage and Against
Third Party Liabilities.
- Comprehensive insurance costs 3.8% of the value of the motor cycle, minimum KES 7,500.00.
Personal Accident Insurance is a MUST with different sub-limits.
The
below options are available for Personal Accident cover at the costs indicated.
STANDARD PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE RATING
BENEFITS PER PERSON
|
||||||
Benefit per Person
|
Option
A
White
|
Option
B
Blue
|
Option C
Orange
|
Option
D
Bronze
|
Option
E
Silver
|
Option
F
Gold
|
1. Death
|
250,000
|
500,000
|
750,000
|
1,000,000
|
2,500,000
|
5,000,000
|
2. Permanent
Total
Disablement
|
250,000
|
500,000
|
750,000
|
1,000,000
|
2,500,000
|
5,000,000
|
3. Temporary Total
Disablement – per Week
|
2,500
|
5,000
|
7,500
|
10,000
|
15,000
|
20,000
|
4. Medical Expenses
|
25,000
|
50,000
|
75,000
|
100,000
|
150,000
|
250,000
|
6. Artificial Appliances |
15,000
|
25,000
|
35,000
|
50,000
|
75,000
|
100,000
|
The key things your Insurance Specialists should cover are:
a. Features – Covers damage to vehicle or property, theft, vandalism, injury to the insured or other people
b. Benefits – Indemnify the insured against loss of or damage to the motor cycle and its accessories and spare parts which may occur through
i. Motorcycle accident
ii. Fires, external explosion, self-iginition, lightning, burglary, house-breaking or theft
iii. Malicious acts
iv. Cover Whilst in-transit (including the processes of loading and unloading incidental to such transit) by road, rail, inland waterway, lift, or elevator.
c. Premium
d. Conditions, such as Personal Accident Cover, and a Valid Driving License
Finally, you still need to get some form of Health Insurance, and Rescue Cover is important especially if you're off-road.
Insurance cover for Private Commuters doesn't have any perks when compared with South Africa, where cover can be extended to include: (www.bikefinder.co.za/bike_insurance/motorcycle_insurance.htm)
- Premium Discounts for Riders Over 40: Statistically Riders Over 40 years tend to be more careful on the road, riding within their skill limits;
- Roadside Assistance
- Basic Excess Waiver
- Bike Warranty
- Scratch Away
- Tyre & Rim
- Income Protection
- Credit Life Cover
Insurance for Bicycles
Unfortunately, cyclist in Kenya do not benefit from Accident and/or Theft and/or Third Party Insurance. Bicycles range in value from KShs 10,000 to KShs 250,000 for professional racers. The only recourse they have is to claim under:- Personal Accident Insurance
- Domestic Package Insurance
- Fire & Burglary Insurance
- Health Insurance
Conclusion
The Insurance Industry and Road Safety Lobby cannot put its head in the sand and ignore the fact that there is need to "educate" and "upgrade the skills level" of private motorcycle commuters. Otherwise, the blame game will continue.Secondly, Insurance Products need to be improved, as I've only picked out what I consider the best cover, currently.
Useful Links:
[1] ... KRA Driving Licenses - Kenya Revenue Authority
[2] ... Application for a Driving License Form
[3] ... The Traffic Act
