Motorcycles Banned from Freeways :: 16-03-2006

Philippines; For the last six years motorcycle riders in the Philippines have been actively fighting against laws, legislation and even rules dreamed up by construction companies that put motorcycle riders in danger or restrict their freedom as tax paying motor vehicle owners.

The ban on motorcycles using the tollways which are the safest possible roads forcing riders to use service roads that are probably the most dangerous in the country was started because over 30 years ago motorcycle riding presidential escourts were told to remove their helmets and ride wearing straw hats. One was killed because he was not wearing a helmet so they blamed the road and banned motorcycles from tollways!

Years later after the courts said the ban was illegal the PNCC introduced a new ban on all bikes less than 400cc (about 99% of bikes) because in the words of the chairman at that time "People who can't afford to ride bikes over 500cc are poor and uneducated". He was argued down to 400cc but the ban has nothing to do with safety for bikers or anyone else.

While much of the modern world is actively encouraging the use of motorcycles to reduce congestion and polution the Philippines is largely doing the opposite and being anti-motorcycle. There are notable exceptions like motorcycles not being included in the "color coding" scheme that bans car drivers from using their vehicles in city centers on one day each week.

In recent months it has been realized that because motorcycles are the only vehicles that can slip through the chaotic, lawless mess of Manila traffic criminals are using them as getaway vehicles. To try to combat this, one counsellor decided to introduce a no backride law (no passengers on motorcycles). Another decided that because these criminals are hard to recognize when wearing full face helmets he would introduce a ban of full face helmets while another said everyone passing through their part of the city must register their helmets! Lastly a senator decided he would introduce a law that all motorcyclists must paint their name and plate number on their helmet!

A few weeks ago the Office of the President requested the MCPF to draft a motorcycle usage incentive policy for the country. When the riders gathered at Quezon Memorial the staff of Quezon City Councellor Ariel Inton met with the riders and MCPF directors to sign an agreement of cooperation and recently Senator Richard Gordon agreed to work with the MCPF on anything that effects motorcycling.