BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is seeking reconsideration from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Inter-Agency Task Force on the requirement for motorists to install a barrier on motorcycles before allowing backriders citing reasons of safety and impracticality.
The resolution authored by Councilor Simplicia Distrito and co-authored by Councilor Ana Marie Palermo 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,” the resolution stated.
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.
The DILG recently issued an advisory to all local government units (LGUs) that backriding on motorcycles will be allowed only in compliance with the guidelines set by the IATF-MEID.
Under the guidelines, backriding will be allowed for couples living in the same household and after they present valid IDs as proof of their relationship.
It also requires the installation of safety barrier between the driver and passenger whose design is approved by the IATF and that the persons riding on motorcycles should observe minimum health standards and road-safety measures.*
