Masculinities at play. A sociocultural approach to the practices of risky riding among male motorcyclists in Valledupar, Colombia

Background: More than 1.25 million people die worldwide every year because of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs), a fact that has turned RTIs into a priority on the international public health agenda. In Colombia, road traffic fatal injuries are the second cause of violent deaths, with motorcycle riders being the most vulnerable actors on the roads. In Valledupar, Colombia, the city where this study was conducted, the number of fatal and non-fatal RTIs is higher than the national average.The study used social representations theory to explore the connections amongst the construction of masculine subjectivities, the experiences of RTIs by male motorcyclists in Valledupar as well as the role of gender relations and the life cycle in this problem. This study was conducted with the goal of informing public policy on traffic safety and contributing to the design of prevention programs. Methods: This study used qualitative methods and biographical-narrative techniques. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 male motorcyclists in Valledupar. The results of the identification of social representations were validated with two focus groups. Results: Findings suggest that the risky riding practices of motorcyclists who have suffered RTIs, such as violation of transit regulations, frequent drinking, speeding, and an attitude that legitimizes the lack of care for themselves and for others are associated with culturally legitimized socialization patterns in the configuration of masculine subjectivities in the territory. Conclusions:These findings help explain the high number of men with RTIs and guide decision making regarding road safety public policies, with particular emphasis on suburban cities in countries with medium-level incomes. We suggest the adoption of diverse and complementary strategies that add a cultural perspective in the long term, in combination with the gender-based and differential approaches in the transformation of dangerous riding.