Yes, a moto. The term is not motorcycle. Perhaps it is to preserve the uniqueness inherent to the two-wheeled vehicle that has been widely adopted across Burkina Faso. In fact, it may be a bit of an understatement to say “widely adopted.” In Burkina, the middle and lower class method of mechanized transport is the moto, and cars are reserved as high class luxury items. This means that motos are very, very common. It has been suggested that Burkina Faso has more motorized, two-wheeled transportation than anywhere else. Thus, if you want to ride a moto, you had better learn the rules of the road.

Right of Way and Travel Lanes:

As always, it is important to recognize your place in the world and on the road. Here, one’s standing on the road is a matter of respect. As in: “That truck is very big. I respect the fact that it can crush me. I will move out of the way.” What this means is that, for the most part, the entirety of the road is open to your whim. This is especially true in areas of lower traffic or where motos are the only vehicle. So be whimsical. Drive on either side. Switch sides because that store caught your eye. You could even stop and walk your moto backwards to your turn when you inevitably pass by it in a whimsy-induced stupor. Basically, if you look dangerous enough, people will move. While normally one must share the road with other motos, it has been my experience that if you go careening towards a choke point looking like you have no control of the vehicle, even other motos will respectfully make way.

Livestock:

Animals present an interesting challenge to the moto operator. Because they do not understand the complex system based on respect that governs the flow of traffic, many animals will treat the road as if they are the ones entitled to whimsical travel. For example, donkeys love to stand broadside in the middle of the most navigable path. The well-equipped moto will have a horn that the rider may use to encourage such animals to vacate the lane of travel, but many motos are not suitably equipped. In this case yelling or loudly revving the engine (remembering, of course, to put the moto into neutral) are the most effective options that remain. Be cautious however, as, once prompted to move, it is impossible to predict with certainty in which direction the livestock will proceed. Finally, it is important to remember that, while in the understood system of respect animals should move for you, livestock is worth money, and this implies a slight boost of standing which animals are well aware of.

Road Conditions:

Whether in the city or the country, the number one rule to effectively navigate roads is to follow the crowd. Robert Frost is not here, but if he were, his moto would be alone, stuck in a pool of mud. The road presents a myriad of obstacles which inspire the most inventive and creative travel lanes. One must avoid sand pits, mud holes, trash, speed bumps and trenches, and all of these are subject to reorientation by wind and rain. This is why it is important that the skillful moto rider develop the ability to see where most of the traffic is traveling. While one or two may stray from the herd, there is safety in trusting trial and error of those who came before. Once developed, do not be afraid to trust this crucial sense, and even if it seems that the common route is to leave the road and travel through a grove of trees, follow the path. While it is uncertain what sparked its creation, one can rely on the fact that others have blazed the trail for a reason.

Moto Types and Load Capacity:

Our final topic for the aspiring rider concerns the vast variety of motos available and how to utilize them. Some are heavy and powerful, and others are light and nimble. Many have electric starters, but kick start varieties are equally common. The only thing that is truly certain is that no moto is exactly like the one you are currently riding. There is endless adventure in borrowing new motos and discovering their idiosyncrasies. This one doesn’t like to start, but it drives like a dream. While this moto is an easy start, but it lacks inflated tires. Equally diverse is the number of methods of transporting goods using a moto. Rope may be used to tie items to the back, or a friend may be enlisted to ride behind and support awkwardly shaped packages. If you can dream of the system, someone has learned to apply it to a moto. When asked about the seemingly limitless carrying capacity of motos, this simple explanation was offered: “They do not protest.” Meaning that, unlike donkeys which protest and lay down when overloaded, motos will always try to carry the load. Thus, there is always a chance that even the most outlandish loading will succeed.

In closing, remember that moto riding is more a beautiful art than a rigid science. Practice, experiment and pray, and you too can feel the delightful joy that comes with moto mastery.