Mali Bike Daredevils

Celeste Hicks reports on a developing trend in Mali which involves young men doing risky things on motor bikes in the middle of roads.

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With many scooters costing around $600, according to reporter Celeste Hicks "anyone who's anyone has a motorbike in Bamako".

But the latest trend doesn't just involve being seen - it's about revving the engine and driving on one wheel - or standing on the bike instead of sitting on it.

The 'motoskill' shows started about 2 years ago by French bikers who were teaching youngsters; but the police stopped them and now the gatherings take place on small tarmac roads.

Many people gather to watch the 'daredevils'

Although there is no set venue, when the 'motoskill' gatherings occur, around sunset, many people turn up to watch.

Some spectators realise the activities are dangerous but they feel that it's entertainment. Others don't condone people risking their lives.

Reporter Celeste Hicks heard that some people wanted to practice and have a go themselves, revealing that they thought the hardest stunt is to pull a wheelie with three people on one bike.

Barely a day goes by without a motorbike accident in Bamako - but currently most are not serious.

Some stunts involve wheelies with more that one rider on one bike

When asked, the Bamako traffic police say that they feel the best way to treat their bikers is "gently". When caught bikes are taken from off riders, but they're returned once things such as tax disks and license plates are checked.

One biker said that he liked doing stunts for pleasure- and he thought he had a future as a stuntman, saying he thought that it would be a fun career which would make him well known and respected. The biker also said that although it was dangerous- precautions such as the choice of road and wearing protective gear made activities safer.