An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday said he does not see any safety issues arising from putting a physical barrier between a motorcycle rider and the passenger.
“We do not see this as a possible safety concern. They (riders) just need to be careful because even if there are no physical barriers, accidents happen especially when they are riding motorcycles as compared to four-wheel vehicles,” DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said.
Malaya said the design was checked by experts and the barrier is part of the design approved by the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 in allowing the motorcycle back-riding for couples nationwide.
On Thursday, Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. bucked the measure saying the makeshift barrier between the motorcycle rider and the passenger might affect its balance, thus increasing the chance of accidents.
For now, Malaya said riders of motorcycles without the barrier would be warned but law enforcers would start apprehending violators in the coming days.
Malaya explained that only couples are allowed as it was part of the “baby steps” until the nation gets used to the new normal.
He added that there is a possibility that back-riding for other members of the family will be eventually allowed.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año announced that back-riding on motorcycles is now allowed among couples and partners with the same residence.
He said the public must follow the proper protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).
He also reminded riders and passengers must also wear face masks for their protection.*PNA
