Moped fever hits Cebu

CEBU CITY – They’re small, lightweight, fuel-efficient and very affordable. And they allow their owners to go to work and back home fast, thereby contributing to a better way of life.

The humble mopeds, or underbone motorcycles, are being highlighted here as the stars of the weeklong 2002 All Motorcycle Show at the SM City Atrium that started Saturday, Nov. 30.

More than 40 new moped models – from the no-frills, just-for-fun types to the modified, super-sport versions — were displayed for the public to see, touch and experience.

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA), the organizer of the show, said mopeds are becoming increasingly popular among Filipinos, particularly in this city.

Based on records of the Land Transportation Office, 65 percent of the more than 15,000 motorcycles sold in this city since January were mopeds.

"That’s a big jump," said MDPPA president Mateo Ocenar. "The rising popularity of mopeds is very evident in Cebu as well as in other areas of Visayas and Mindanao. Overall, we say that mopeds now comprise 50 percent of the entire industry sales nationwide."

The MDPPA, which is composed of the five biggest motorcycle makers, namely Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, Suzuki and Yamaha, has been aggressively promoting the use of mopeds in the country in the past three years. "The solo motorcycle market is growing tremendously," said Ocenar. "More people are buying motorcycles for their own use and not anymore for business."

As more and more people get to know the benefits of riding motorcycles, the MDPPA is making a vow to continually develop quality products at affordable prices.

Its theme for the motorcycles show here, "Think Quality, Ride Safely," says everything it wants to convey to motorcycle buyers. "It’s not just about buying motorcycles," Ocenar said. "People should buy quality motorcycles because what’s at stake here is not only their hard-earned money but their safety."

To promote safety, the MDPPA held a learn-to-ride clinic at the SM City parking grounds. Fifteen mopeds from the association’s member-companies were made available for the public to test and enjoy. Riding instructors were on hand to teach the proper way of riding the two-wheeled beauties.

The motorcycle show will last until Dec. 6.