By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will set up a Motorcycle Riding Academy in a bid to reduce motorcycle accidents and make roads safer for the public.
MMDA Acting Chairperson Atty. Don Artes said the agency will form a technical working group to develop a motorcycle safety training course module that will teach beginners and experienced riders about motorcycle types as well as road safety laws, rules, and regulations, among others.
Artes said the Academy will also teach motorcycle riders basic emergency response.
“The Academy would provide riders with formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding,” Artes said.
“‘Through this Motorcycle Riding Academy, we aim to further promote road safety, particularly to our motorcyclists who are very much at risk [of] road mishaps,” he added.
Artes also said that it’s a good opportunity to “refresh and hone” riders’ skills and learn first aid should they encounter any road accident.
The MMDA Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System recorded in 2018 motorcycle riders as among the highest road crash fatalities at around 38% or 224 fatalities from a total 590.
Fatalities also rose from 2020 and 2021 recorded at 253 and 295, respectively.
According to the 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization, the Philippines ranked 11th out of 175th countries with the reported number of road traffic deaths at 10,012 of which 4.7% are drivers/passengers of 2- or 3- wheelers.
The training will be offered to all interested participants for free. Those who will complete the training will receive certificates.
The MMDA will partner with local government units in Metro Manila, as well as ride-hailing groups. – gb
