The motorcycles of Benin

Before reading

Do the preparation task first.Then read the article and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Match the definitions (A～E) with the vocabulary (1～5).

Vocabulary Definitions

1.establish A.to see or notice someone or something, usually when you are looking hard

2.campaign B.to make something by joining separate parts

3.strand C.to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time

4.spot D.unable to leave somewhere because of having no transport or money

5.assemble E.a group of connected actions or movements

Crossing the busy streets of Cotonou or Porto-Novo, Benin's biggest cities, the first thing you notice is the huge number of motorcycles.It is not unusual to see over 20 bikes lined up at the traffic lights.They are driven by both men and women and nobody seems to wear a crash helmet.It is common to see whole families on a motorbike and motorbikes are often the preferred transport to carry produce from farm to market or to get home from work.So when it comes to calling a taxi people don't look out for a car or a bus, they demand a motorcycle taxi!

Why are there so many motorbikes on Benin's roads?

Well, some say that a financial crisis at the end of the 1980s made it too expensive to keep the roads in good condition.Motorbikes were the only vehicles that could get around the potholes.University students looking for some extra employment began to offer lifts to passengers and could take them all the way home on the back of their bikes.Nowadays taxi motorbikes are really popular everywhere in the country and they are called the zémidjan.

Where does this name come from?

The name zémidjan—zem or zimzim for short—means “get me there fast” in Fon, which is one of the main languages spoken in Benin.The trend for taxi motorbikes apparently started in the capital, Porto-Novo, and then it spread toother areas so that now the zémidjan is well established as the most popular type of taxi.

Who uses the zémidjans?

Practically, everyone—people wanting to get to work, women going to the market, tourists seeing the sights and even children going to school.In fact, a few years ago, the zémidjan drivers joined a campaign to get more girls to school which was very successful.

But isn't there only room for one on the back?

Yes, officially there's only room for one,but zémidjan drivers will often make room for more, plus their bags and boxes.It's a very flexible form of transport and will take you right to your door! It is the most effective way to travel through the crowded city streets.People are not left stranded at the roadside.There are always plenty of motorcycles looking for business.

How do you know which motorcycles are taxis?

In Cotonou and the surrounding towns the drivers wear yellow shirts or waistcoats so they can be easily spotted.Other towns have their own colours.Night or day, zémidjans drive up and down the streets of Benin's main towns and cities looking for passengers.

How do you hail a zémidjan?

You have to look for a driver with no passenger on the back and yell “Kekeno! ” Or you can make a waving gesture at the driver.It's important to agree a price for the ride before you get on.

What is a kekeno?

A kekeno is a zémidjan driver.In Fon,“keke” means bike and “no” means person.So kekeno is a “bike person”.

Where do all these taxi motorbikes come from?

Most are imported direct from China, although some are also now assembled in Benin.The cost of a motorbike is a lot cheaper than a car and it's much easier to move at speed through a lot of traffic.

Don't the passengers feel nervous?

Visitors from outside Benin have to overcome their fears! Most of the drivers are young men.They are extremely skilful but as they rev up at the traffic lights, you may feel that you are in a rather dangerous race.But locals look completely relaxed as they sit back and text their friends on their way home via zémidjan.

Activity 1 Corrections

Correct the errors, one error for each sentence.

1.He gets on his car every morning.

2.We usually go by foot to school.

3.They like driving their bicycles.

4.There isn't much room into the minibus.

5.Let's get in that zémidjan.

Activity 2 Road safety

Do you agree with these sentences? Put these in order of importance according to your own opinion.

It is important to...

1.check tyres and brakes regularly.

2.keep speeds down in the city.

3.have safe crossings for pedestrians.

4.wear a helmet on a motorbike.

5.make everyone take a driving test.

6.improve the road surfaces.

Activity 3 Discussion

What actions would you take to make it easier and safer to travel around your town? Think of more ideas and discuss.

Activity 4 Word search

Find these means of transport in the grid.

bicycle car train motorbike truck ship minibus coach zémidjan