Commercial motorcycle use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

The scoping review research seeks to explore the extent of evidence on existing traffic regulations, riding behaviours, and road safety outcomes relating to commercial motorcycle use in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of the study is to map the regulation framework governing the commercial use of motorcycles, including riding practice and related safety outcomes. The study also seeks to review the extent to which variations occur across countries, given that regulatory frameworks failed to keep pace with the rapid growth in the number and use of commercial motorcycles in sub-Saharan Africa. This research is based on the question: What evidence exists on road safety issues related to commercial motorcycle transport in Sub-Saharan Africa? The review will examine studies on commercial motorcycle use across sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on studies related to regulations, riding behaviors, and crash outcomes published in English. Both published and unpublished literature will be included. The study will follow the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and will use the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) framework. We will conduct a thorough search strategy across three major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science). We will also make use of gray literature, including doctoral theses and dissertations. The review will produce a mapping of regulatory strategies and controls being used to govern the operation and use of commercial motorcycles. This scoping review will identify gaps in current regulation and risky practices associated with commercial motorcycle use. The research may guide future investigations and policymaking in this field.