Motivation for choosing the motorcycle as a means of transportation: an analysis from the perspective of injured motorcyclists

Abstract

Background

Since the 1990s, there has been a significant increase in the production and use of motorcycles in Brazil. At the same time, the number of fatal victims of land transport accidents has increased. In 2015, motorcyclists were the main fatal victims of these accidents.

Objective

To identify the factors that motivate motorcyclists to choose the motorcycle as a means of transportation despite the risks. This study was based on the concept of motivation proposed by Bergamini and on the notion of time and space proposed by Harvey.

Method

A qualitative study, with sample selection by saturation, conducted with motorcyclists who were victims of traffic accidents in a reference trauma hospital. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed.

Results

Fifteen motorcyclists, all men with median age of 26 years, were interviewed. The motivational factors revealed were “time”, “financial aspects”, “motorcycle appreciation”, “only vehicle available”.

Conclusion

The greatest motivation for choosing the motorcycle as a means of transportation was the possibility of generating financial savings while providing a daily gain of time, although other factors also contributed to this motivation.

Keywords:
accidents, traffic; motorcycles; motivation