By Hector Olympus
Contributor
It was in the early years of the new millennium when motorcycles started to swarm over the streets of Metro Manila.
I would assume that whoever was the brainchild in promoting XRMs here in the county would have already earned a big bonus. But this happened as people opted to reduce their cost of spending in transportation. Thus the use of small motorcycles became a hit, particularly to male workers and company messengers.
Rider friends told me that they save a lot since they started using motorcycles. Also, it was easier to wade through traffic using motorcycles.
I have seen more people buying motorcycles. Dealers now make it easier for consumers to buy a unit under good credit terms.
If my taxi driver-friend is correct, you can now purchase and get that unit in one day if you’re ready to pay P10,000 as downpayment. Also, I was told motorcycle dealers do not do credit investigations. They only ask for a few documents as proof of income.
So with the increase of riders in Metro Manila comes the increase in motorcycle-related accidents. This is very alarming because in TV morning shows, they usually report motorcycle accidents.
I have a high school classmate who was killed in a motorcycle accident. She was in her twenties. Her husband who was driving survived but was paralyzed.
An officemate once told me, “Hindi na ako gagamit ng sasakyang na may dalawang gulong. Napaka-delikado. Isang maliit na bato lang ang katapat niyan, aksidente ang tuloy [I don’t want to use any vehicle with two wheels. It’s risky. A rock on the road can lead to an accident].” I agree.
In 2008, road authorities have increased their regulations by requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets and limiting passengers to two.
But seems this is not enough because accidents continue to happen. Here are some of my thoughts about motorcycles in the country.
I believe motorbike riders should be re-oriented on responsible driving. I have seen riders who speed up and race pass cars and jeepneys. Some riders also violate road regulations such as wearing the proper helmet. I remember one comment, “Sa ulo dapat sinusuot ang helmet, hindi sa siko [You use your helmets to protect your head not your elbow].” I also see a lot of overloaded motorcycles—some carrying up to 4 passengers. Amazing.
Is it the Land Transportation Office imposing regulations on motorcycle drivers? I hope they can ensure that licensed applicants are aware of the road regulations. I see a lot of young people (below 18 years old), especially in the provinces who ride motorcycles. Sadly, when they figure in an accident, there seems to be some trouble implementing road regulations. I hope officials don’t take bribes in exchange for a driver’s license.
The MMDA should also tighten their watch on violators. Violators should be apprehended. It doesn’t matter who they are. Violators should not be tolerated.
There should be a dedicated motorcycle lane in Metro Manila. It may be costly. But if it means saving lives, then it is a must.
You can also visit the author’s blog at http://sonofpriam.blogspot.com.
March 22nd, 2009 at 2:10 am
In the Western world, motorcyclists are given the same courtesy and respect on the road as any other motorist because of the fact that they are qualified to operate the motor, bound by the same laws of the road and are equally aware of the responsibilities - they are given the space like they are on 4-wheel motor at the same token do not overtake, cut corners and weave through traffic at will.
Sa Pinas roads … orchestrated chaos.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
nice point, franzi.
ang problema kasi, marami pa ring nangongotong kaya maraming iresponsableng drivers.
March 9th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
loud mufflers should be disallowed. pls let us rest in peace. put a stop to noise pollution generated by motorbikes with open/ loud mufflers!!
March 4th, 2009 at 11:05 am
The culpability lies with the LTO and police. If they will only implement the law to the letter, you will see fewer people who break the law. Case in point: the helmet and overloading law. You see these irresponsible riders with three backriders with no helmets, everywhere, yet they don’t get apprehended. Why? Because police enforcers themselves ride around bare headed, as if they are exempt from the law they are supposed to be implementing. Of course, motorcycle riders themselves are responsible for making sure they know what they are doing while in the saddle of a motor bike. The so called “Clean-Air Act” is another thing. In spite of this law, why do smoke belching vehicles continue to ply Metro Manila’s major roads?
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Motorcycle lanes, restrictions left and right, why won’t LTO overhaul the corruption ridden licensing system to minimize the incompetent drivers from all drives (walks) of motoring (life) rather than poking on the lowly motorcyclist who, unfortunately and unwantedly, happens to be at the bottom end of the food chain?