The Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield has extended the deadline on the installation of motorcycle barriers for back riding until July 31.
The JTF stood firm by its statement that the two approved prototype of barriers are safe.
“Ang kailangan lang po rito kung hindi sila sang-ayon sa paglagay ng barrier, bukas pa naman ang IATF para sa mga bagong disenyo. At anytime pwede silang mag-recommend sa amin para tingnan namin kung okay ang kanilang disenyo para magkaroon kami ng pangatlong disenyong aaprubahan (The IATF is open to new designs [of barriers] if they do not agree with the policy on barriers. They can recommend anytime and we will evaluate for the approval of a third design) which will give the public more options to choose from,” DILG USec. Jonathan Malaya said.
The policy on installing barriers on motorcycles has been getting a lot of flak and some quarters have been claiming that it would only cause accidents.
The Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) recently issued a position paper and stated that it “believes that the barrier cannot serve as a health and safety measure to protect the riders from COVID-19” and “may compromise safety, health, economy, and the environment.”
“When the motorcycle is in motion, the barrier will contribute to the change of the designed allowable aerodynamic forces (drag and lift) which will compromise the stability of the motorcycle. This will place the safety of the riders at risk,” PSME pointed out.
“The attached barrier increases the air resistance of the motorcycle when in motion. This directly affects the economy of the motorcycle resulting to increase in fuel consumption which contributes to the increase in emission,” it added.
– Report from Bea Bernardo
