Mandatory training for riders, says President Rodrigo Duterte

MANILA: Motorcycle related laws are getting tighter by the day. The reason we think are the high number of two-wheeler associated accidents recorded in recent times. First, the House Committee on Transportation approved the House Bill 1318 asking riders to turn on the headlights as soon as the engine starts, irrespective of the fact whether it’s day or night. And now the President stresses on making motorcycle training for riders mandatory.

While giving the speech at the 24th Annual National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines convention, Mr Duterte expressed his concern over the easy availability of motorcycles in the country and how it's making the roads unsafe both for pedestrian and other vehicles. He quoted “The roads are not really safe. There are a lot of affordable motorcycles, and everybody can buy it. They don’t have licenses, registration or insurance.” He further added “If you look at it very carefully, there is really anarchy in the streets. Go to a dealer, and there’s no registration, nothing at all. We have to correct this. You’re given a motorcycle for as low as Php 2000.”

He emphasised on the fact that the skills involved in riding a motorcycle and bicycle are different. Thus disapproving the belief that a bicycle rider can trust his riding knowledge when opting a bike. Instead, he or she should first get adequate training and then drive on the streets, taking care of self and others safety.

In a study conducted by Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System, it was found that most road accidents happened due to poor riding practices like - high speed, poor turn judgment, sudden braking, and losing vehicle control. All of which can be corrected by proper training.

Taking a motorcycle riding courses in compulsory in most first-world countries, while in the Philippines, a simple clutchless underbone ride in LTO small parking lot will get you a licence. The situation gets worse, as anyone with Php 2,500 will get a driver’s licence without actually giving the test.

The President hinted in his speed that the Highway Patrol Group would conduct and formulate the mandatory motorcycle riding course in the future. The only requirement for the course he said was that the person should be a Filipino. Lastly, he warned the 3,000 attendees present at the convention to not mix drinking and drugs with riding.