‘Motorbike riders no better than street toughs’


The Philippine Star

Most motorcycle riders, called the new "kings of the road" are no different from street toughs killed for their abusive behavior and recklessness, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Saturday.

"Most of these motorcycle riders seem not to consider the rights of others when driving. They weave in between vehicles. They have to follow rules and regulations and they should not drive along the dividing lane of roads," MMDA traffic enforcement division chief Angelito Vergel de Dios said in a radio interview.

He added that motorcycle riders cause problems on the road and often figure in fatal road accidents.

Vergel de Dios said there are 2.4 million registered motorcycles in the country, of which 273,417 units are in Metro Manila. He said most motorcycles are not supposed to be driven on busy streets and major thoroughfares because they are prone to accidents.

"There are many unregistered motorcycles, especially outside Metro Manila like Bulacan and Cavite. They should be used only in subdivisions and not outside because this is prohibited," he said.

Vergel de Dios said the MMDA conducted a two-day motorbike-riding seminar starting on Saturday for some government agencies and motorcycle dealers.

The MMDA will ask the Land Transportation Office to help the agency strictly require individuals applying for or renewing their license and motorcycle registration to use protective gear such as full-face helmets, gloves and closed shoes.

The MMDA supports a Makati City ordinance requiring the use of full-face helmets for motorcycle drivers and half-face helmets for riders because of the rising cases of ambush and robbery using motorcycles. Pia Lee-Brago