MMDA eyes to establish Motorcycle Riding Academy by Q1 2023

MANILA: In an effort to reduce motorcycle-related accidents and make roadways safer, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will lead the development of a Motorcycle Riding Academy in Metro Manila.

As part of the project, the MMDA will establish a technical working group to develop a motorcycle safety training course module that would provide both novice and experienced riders with the necessary training and fundamental knowledge, including the various types, characteristics, basic controls, and operation of motorcycles; various road safety laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the operation of motorcycles; and necessary driving skills on how to avoid hazardous situations.

The Academy will also train the motorbike riders in the fundamentals of emergency response.

Acting Chairman of the MMDA Atty. Don Artes said that the Motorcycle Riding Academy will serve as the hub of instruction for teaching motorcycle riders the fundamental emergency response and riding skills.

“The Academy would provide riders with formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding,” Artes said.

“Through this Motorcycle Riding Academy, we aim to further promote road safety, particularly to our motorcyclists who are very much at risk of road mishaps. It's a good opportunity for them to refresh and hone their riding skills and to provide first aid to people who will encounter unexpected road accidents,” he added.

Last 2018, the MMDA Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) recorded motorcycle riders as amongst the highest road crash fatalities at around 38% or 224 fatalities from a total 590. Fatalities increased from 2020 and 2021 recorded at 253 and 295, respectively.

The training will be open to all interested participants and will be free of charge. Upon completion of the training — which include lectures, practical application, and Basic Emergency Response Course — participants will receive a certificate.

The lectures include Motorcycle Riding Courtesy, Motorcycle Orientation, Road Traffic Rules and Regulations, and Motorcycle Safety Laws; while simulation exercises include Preparing to Ride, Common Riding Situations, MC Safety Driving Demonstration, and Motorcycle Basic Riding Course.

The proposed location is at the vacant property of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) along Julia Vargas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. The MMDA and GSIS will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement for the utilization of the property.

Anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2023, the Motorcycle Riding Academy would also be promoted by the MMDA in conjunction with relevant Metro Manila local government units and other stakeholders.

The agency is also negotiating with motorcycle ride-hailing companies like Grab so that riders who successfully finished the Academy's course will be given preference when applying for jobs with that platform.

The Motorcycle Riding Academy is a result of the agency's Traffic Summit last year, where it was made clear during the multi-stakeholder consultations that motorcycle road users needed to have more capacity to implement policies related to traffic and road safety as well as training in basic life support.

Last October 2022, the MMDA conducted Basic Emergency Response Course (BERC) for motorcycle-hailing groups JoyRide PH and Angkas Transport Company for them to serve as emergency responders to assist the agency in responding to accidents as force multipliers.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippines News Agency, and Hazel Nicole Carreon

Also read: MMDA plans to set up more motorcycle lanes on major roads this year