The Quezon City government is now enforcing an ordinance prohibiting motorcycle riders from transporting on QC roads a child back rider unless allowable under the new measure.
Ordinance No. SP-2395, S-2015, which was approved by Mayor Herbert Bautista last April 15, seeks to ensure the safety of every child back rider on motorcycles by providing that the young passenger must be wearing a standard protective helmet, can rest his/her feet on the footrest of the motorcycle, can hold on and embrace the waist of the motorcycle driver, and is mentally capable appreciating the need to hold on to the rider-driver.
The measure points out that small children should be discouraged from riding on motorcycles if this would be very dangerous for them.
According to Councilor Melencio “Bobby” Castelo, Jr., principal author of the ordinance, a motorcycle ride is a relatively unsafe mode of transportation for the riders, most especially small children.
He cited a study conducted by Safe Kids Philippines, a non-government organization working to prevent child injuries, that at least 35,000 Filipino children are victims of road accidents each year, most of which are caused by motorcycle mishap.
Councilor Castelo said that a small child can hardly reach the motorcycle pegs and has short arms that cannot wrap around the waist of the driver, resulting in an unsafe and uncomfortable ride.
To prevent the occurrence of road accidents involving children, the city must regulate the transporting of children by motorcycle.
Any person who will be found violating the ordinance will be fined Php1,000 for the offense, Php2,000 for the second offense and Php5,000 for the third and succeeding offenses. (Rico)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
