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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Recto seeks review of barrier requirement between pillion riders

Recto seeks review of barrier requirement between pillion riders

Published Jul 11, 2020 05:52 pm

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Saturday appealed to the government to have experts review its requirement to install barriers between pillion-riding couples on motorcycles for safety reasons.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

The lawmaker questioned the approved prototype of motorcycle that would be allowed to carry back riders amid the community quarantine.

"What’s the use of a barrier when couples hold hands in going to the motorcycle, and kiss each other goodbye after the ride? As a virus shield, it is as effective as installing a concrete road divider on the matrimonial bed," he said.

"Isn’t the protection offered them by the motorcycle barrier during the day cancelled by their intimacy at night?" he added.

Recto said that while he lauds the initiatives to finally allow spouses and partners to ride pillion on motorcycles so they could go to work, such modification could compromise the road-worthiness of the two-wheeled motor-vehicle and the safety of its passengers.

"Such should get the green light from science," he stressed.

"Before we flag this off, can we please subject it to test runs and workshop review by experts? Or can we just ask health experts if a couple who sleep together at night without masks can safely ride a motorcycle together with masks and helmets on?"

Former Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, who is a rider, also aired his concern about the proposed divider between pillion riders.

"Medyo delikado po 'yan, unang una yong rideability ng motor, aerodynamics (That is quite dangerous, because first of all, it will affect the rideability of the motorcycle, its aerodynamics)...Ang worry ko diyan, kung matanggal sa pagkakabit, baka lalong maging cause ng aksidente (My worry is that, if these barriers detach, it would be another cause of accidents)," he said.

Full-face helmets, masks, and gloves will provide "more than enough" protection to the motorcycle drivers and passengers.

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