By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Motorcycle barriers meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is unsafe.
Thus, the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is asking the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) to reconsider the installation of barriers on motorcycles before allowing back riders.
In a resolution approved in its regular session this week, the SP cited reasons of safety and impracticality of the motorcycle barrier.
Councilor Simplicia Distrito, who authored the resolution, said several professional and motorcycle groups have denounced the barrier requirement for being impractical.
“This August body appeals to the IATF-MEID and the DILG to reconsider the barrier requirement for safety reasons and impracticality and for possibly finding other ways that might be doable without compromising the life and property of persons.”
Distrito also said motorcycle safety experts pointed out that the design of the barrier is unsafe, prone to accidents, and an unnecessary cost to them, the resolution stated.
Earlier, the DILG issued an advisory to all local government units (LGUs) that back riding on motorcycles will be allowed only in compliance with the guidelines set by the IATF-MEID.
The guidelines stated that back riding will be allowed for couples living in the same household and if they present to enforcers valid IDs as proof of their relationship.
The installation of safety barrier between the driver and passenger is also required but the design should be approved by the IATF.
The persons riding on motorcycles are also required to observe minimum health standards and road-safety measures.
