DILG: Motorcycle barrier not a safety issue, LGBT can ride together

MANILA: A DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) official has defended the controversial barrier required for couples riding together on a motorcycle by saying it is safe to use or install.

“We do not see this as a possible safety concern. They (motorcycle riders) just need to be careful because even if there are no physical barriers, accidents happen especially when they are riding motorcycles as compared to four-wheel vehicles," said DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya.

According to Malaya, the design was checked by “experts” and that the barrier design is approved by the NTF (National Task Force) against COVID-19 for use by couples riding together on a motorcycle.

Police officers and members of the military are being reminded to set a good example and also follow this rule set by the DILG.

“When the public sees the law enforcers back-riding and yet utilizing motorcycles without protective barriers, we lose our credibility. So, we wish to remind all men and women of the PNP who are couples to be the first in installing these barriers in their motorcycles as a good example to the public,” added Malaya.

Many, on the other hand, including avid motorcycle rider Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla have a different view of these makeshift barriers.

"A divider between both riders will make balance very difficult as there will be no tactile feedback between them. That barrier will also impact aerodynamics greatly, also interfering wheel balance. When you have a back rider, the weight has to be synchronized. As the rider weighs left, the backrider has to do the same or else there's a high chance of crashing," said Revilla.

Road safety advocate James Deakin also questions if the government consulted with motorcycle manufacturers regarding the impact of makeshift barriers on handling and safety before mandating its implementation.

“Manufacturers go through years of R&D before modifying any structural components or adding any safety features and it could take years before those designs are approved. It’s the government themselves that requires it. So why the free pass when it’s the other way around? Forgive me if I sound skeptical here, but it doesn’t even look like the manufacturers were ever consulted,” Deakin said in a Facebook post.

There are also warranty and liability implications according to Deakin.

“What about warranty and liability? Considering that is not OEM, what happens in the event that this causes an accident, or creates more injuries as a result of what would have been a simple one, who do you sue? The manufacturer or the governing bodies that required it? Serious question po.” Deakin added in the Facebook post.

For now, the government is firm in its implementation. Motorcycle riders with passengers, caught on the road without these barriers the past few days were only given a warning, but Malaya said apprehensions are forthcoming.

“The set of rules for motorcycle back-riding is a balance between safety and the necessity of transportation. Our motorists have long requested for this and now that it was finally granted, please do not abuse it,” said Joint Task Force Shield commander Lt. Gen Guillermo Eleazar.

In related news, members of the LGBT community who live together as a couple or common-law partners will also be allowed to ride together on a motorcycle.

"Kung titingnan po natin, binanggit po ng NTF (National Task Force) na ito ay para sa married couples and others na live-in partners so in essence po, kung 'yung ating mga kasamahan sa LGBT ay magkasama sa isang bahay at sila naman po ay live-in partners kasama rin po sila doon (If we will look at it, the NTF mentioned that this is for married couples and others who are live-in partners so, in essence, people belonging to LGBT who are living in the same house and are live-in partners are included there)," added Eleazar.

Couples simply need to present proof that they live in the same residence.

"This time, we exercise common sense as well as consideration. We talked with Secretary Eduardo Año and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya and they said LGBT couples are included in that provision,” Eleazar ended.

Photos from the Philippine Information Office

Also read: Motorcycle back-riding allowed starting today, but only for couples