As fatal motorcycle accidents continue to rise in Metro Manila in the past few years, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) hopes to save as many riders by establishing a Motorcycle Riding Academy in the National Capital Region (NCR).
MMDA chairman Romando Artes said they will enter into an agreement with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the use of its vacant property at the corner of Julia Vargas and Meralco avenues for the planned academy for motorcycle riders and will coordinate with local government units (LGUs) for its promotion.
He said the Motorcycle Riding Academy is expected to be operational by the first quarter of this year.
“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. It's a good opportunity for them to refresh and hone their riding skills and to provide first aid to people who will encounter unexpected road accidents,” he added.
Under the project, the MMDA will create a technical working group for the formulation of a Motorcycle Safety Training Course module that would give both beginners and experienced riders proper training and basic knowledge such as different types, characteristics, basic parts, basic control and operation of motorcycles; various road safety laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of motorcycles; necessary driving skills on how to avoid hazardous situations, and; understanding risk awareness and risk taking.
Lectures include Motorcycle Riding Courtesy, Motorcycle Orientation, Road Traffic Rules and Regulations, and Motorcycle Safety Laws; while simulation exercises include Preparing to Ride, Common Riding Situations, MC Safety Driving Demonstration, and Motorcycle Basic Riding Course.
The Academy will also provide basic emergency response training for the motorcycle riders.
Alarming figures
Based on the MMDA data, motorcycle accidents accounted for 38 percent of recorded 590 road accident deaths in Metro Manila in 2018.
In 2020, a total of 253 riders died and the fatality figure increased to 295 by 2021.
On the other hand, the 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked the Philippines 11th out of 175th countries with the reported number of road traffic deaths at 10,012 of which 4.7 percent are drivers/passengers of two to three-wheelers.
Free training
Artes said the training at the Motorcycle Riding Academy will be open to all interested participants for free.
"They will be given certificates upon completion of lectures, practical application, and Basic Emergency Response Course," said Artes.
Artes said the Motorcycle Riding Academy is the result of the agency’s Traffic Summit last year where, during the multi-stakeholder consultations, the need for capacity building for motorcycle road users to conduct road safety and traffic related policies and basic life support training were highlighted.
Last October 2022, the MMDA conducted Basic Emergency Response Course (BERC) for motorcycle-hailing groups such as JoyRide PH and Angkas Transport Company for them to serve as emergency responders to assist the agency in responding to accidents as force multipliers.