PB seeks lifting of barrier requirement for backriding

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu Provincial Board has appealed before the Inter Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to reconsider the barrier requirement for motorcycle backriding.

The legislative body approved on Monday the resolution sponsored by PB Member Glenn Anthony Soco. He said copies of the resolution will be forwarded to the concerned agencies.

The resolution was anchored on the several opinions from the experts questioning the policy because of safety issues.

According to experts, the mandatory installation of barrier between the driver and the backrider violates the principle of aerodynamics and maneuverability for motorcycle riders.  It allegedly poses greater risks of road accidents because barriers will counter the basic and fundamental concepts of physics and the different principles of science.

The use of barrier for motorcycle backriding for couples was approved by the IATF based on the prototype design submitted by Bohol Governor Arthur Yap.

Soco said the policy was approved without consultations and did not go through a required test run. Soco said the efficacy of the device is not assured and there is no scientific proof that it is safe.

He said the installation of the makeshift device is fundamentally unsafe as it contradicts the concepts of drag and lift coupled by wind/air pressure while a motorcycle is running. Aside from issues on efficacy and safety, the installation is also costly and impractical.

Soco suggested that it may be more functional and sensible if the pillion-rider simply wears a full-faced, front-covered helmet, with overalls or jackets and gloves.

He explained that while he is one with the IATF in imposing certain degree of restrictions in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the manner should be practical, affordable and effective.

“It's just an appeal.  Hopefully the IATF will consider our resolution,” said Soco.

The observance of basic health protocols like wearing of masks, frequent washing of hands or use of disinfectants must likewise be maintained. A structured physical barrier is not necessary.

Reino Ylanan, who drives motorcycle to and from his work everyday, said that the barrier will only cause accident.

"Maka-trigger siya’g disgrasya kay samok na s’ya ig hangin. Nganung naa pay in-ana nga kakuyog raman sa usa kabalay ang asawa. Okay nanang face mask, face shield unya mag disinfect. Ga hasol hasol lang silas byahe sa rider,” Ylanan said.

(It can trigger accidents. Why is it required when the rider and the wife live in the same house? Face mask, face shield then disinfect are enough. They cause inconvenience on the rider.)

The use of motorcycles has been part of an everyday means of transportation of locals. As of 2019, there are a total of 18.8 million motorcycles in the country, according to the database of the Land Transportation Office.  FPL (FREEMAN)