Angkas vows to work with gov't on biker safety
Bike-hailing app Angkas vowed to work with the government to ensure the safety of bikers amid the pandemic after the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 approved on Monday its barrier design for motorcycles to curb the spread of the disease.
Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca thanked the NTF as well as the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases for its responsiveness on public transport safety during this pandemic.
"Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat po (Thank you very much) Sec. (Delfin) Lorenzana, Sec. (Eduardo) Año, Sec. (Carlito) Galvez, Sec. (Vince) Dizon, the IATF, and the NTF for the swift action and decisiveness on public transport safety. The responsiveness that you have shown especially during this pandemic is a great service to the Filipino people," Royeca said in a statement.
"This is the culmination of many long weeks of testing and improving dozens of prototypes," he added.
Last month, Royeca introduced to public the prototype of its backpack-style protective shield or barrier that will be worn by partner-bikers to isolate them from the passenger.
The backpack shield, according to Royeca, will also serve as a non-permeable barrier to minimize viral transmission of COVID-19. It is made of lightweight, high-density plastic for easy disinfection and to give the passenger a clear view of the road ahead, he added.
Royeca pointed out that the shield will help mitigate virus transmission as it adds an extra layer of protection that will complement other safety measures such as the wearing of a helmet with a face shield and a mask, and the sanitizing of hands.
The Angkas official said the shield is also drag-resistant and deliberately sourced to minimize additional injury to the riders in cases of accidents.
"We look forward to collaborating closely with the IATF on this and furthering the safety of all Filipinos during this pandemic," he said.