MMDA to clamp down on helmet-less backriders

Even backriders of motorcycles plying Metro Manila’s streets will now be asked to get off the vehicle, as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority tightens its “no helmet no travel" policy. MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes made this clear after admitting his agency had been lax in enforcing the “no helmet no travel" rule in the metropolis. “Pabababain natin yung nakaangkas kung hindi siya naka-helmet at hindi na natin sya papayagan na sumakay uli unless magsuot sila ng helmet (We will have the offending passengers get off the motorcycles if they are not wearing helmets. We will not let them ride unless they wear helmets)," Inocentes said in an article on the MMDA website.

He said people riding in tandem should both wear crash helmets for their protection, and warned that violators will be apprehended and meted the corresponding penalty. Inocentes said the “no helmet no travel" policy and similar city ordinances have been in effect but these had not been enforced strictly. Also, he said the MMDA will implement Resolution 07-07 in 2007, which urges local government units to implement the “no face shield policy" for backriders of motorcycles plying thoroughfares. This move was aimed to prevent crimes such as snatching and robbery perpetrated by lawless elements who ride motorcycles in tandem. Under the resolution, backriders of motorcycles must wear helmets with no face shield. Meanwhile, Inocentes enjoined the motorcycle-riding public to avoid swerving from one lane to another and refrain from passing in between vehicles. “The motorcycle riders should stay on the lane just like any ordinary vehicle. Most accidents happen when they try to overtake or pass in between cars," he said. He enjoined the local government units to be strict on the said issue and institute measures that will promote the protection and safety of motorcycle riders and curb accidents. — LBG, GMANews.TV