Their popularity is practical.
Shared transportation reflects the collectivist nature of Cambodian society. It is common to see multiple passengers on one moto, something that might seem unsafe or unusual elsewhere but is normalized here. Transportation is about access and inclusion, not strict adherence to rules.
The limited use of helmets, especially among passengers, highlights how safety can become secondary when resources are scarce or risks are familiar. Many people have grown up riding motos their entire lives; danger becomes part of the background of daily living.
My own restrictions around transportation made me more aware of how deeply mobility is woven into daily survival. The way people get around in Cambodia is not just about movement, but is about resilience, adaptation, and making do with what is available.
