Angeles execs mull ‘no-helmet zones’ for motorcycle riders

ANGELES CITY – While the rest of the world favors wearing of helmets for the safety of motorcycle riders, authorities here are thinking of declaring “no-helmet zones” to deter crimes.

The local Peace and Order Council (POC) is considering an ordinance that would ban the wearing of helmets among motorcycle riders at least in some parts of this city.

This, according to the council, could abate the growing number of crimes perpetrated by men on motorcycles.

It is proposed that “no helmet zones” be designated in parts of the city where such crimes have taken place.

Mayor Francis Nepomuceno has expressed support for the proposal, as the POC noted that helmets hide the identities of criminals and embolden them to carry out their criminal intentions.

The council though thinks that the use of ski masks or other things that would hide the face of the motorcycle rider should also be prohibited.

Nepomuceno asked Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, who presides over the city council, to study the proposal. Cabigting is also the vice chairman of the local POC.

Among the “no-helmet zones” being considered is the tourism district on Fields Avenue where motorcycle-riding men recently shot an Australian in the face after grabbing his gold necklace.

Last year, the Metro Manila Development Authority proposed that motorcycle owners paint the license plate of their vehicle on their helmets.

The proposal, meant to easily identify and go after motorcycle-riding criminals, was eventually dropped after the Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MPF) protested, arguing that it “unfairly penalizes the over 350,000 law-abiding motorcyclists” in Metro Manila.

The federation has about 200,000 members nationwide.

In a meeting with President Arroyo last year, MPF officers aired their concerns over “the government’s negative perception on motorcycles and blatant apathy on riders’ concern and safety.”

Motorcycle production in the country went up by as much as 53 percent in 2004 to 475,000 units, and was estimated to have reached 600,000 units last year.

There are about 3.5 million motorcycles in the country today.