Go advocates road safety

MANILA, Philippines —  Stressing responsible road sharing, Sen. Bong Go attended on Sept. 12 the turnover ceremony of motorcycle units for the new Motorcycle Riding Academy established by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Pasig City.

“This academy is not just a training ground but a haven where riders learn not just the mechanics of operating a motorcycle but also the ethics of sharing the road responsibly,” Go said in his speech.

“(These motorcycle units) can be considered classrooms on wheels. Not only can people learn how to drive, but also how to be a responsible motorist,” he added.

The Motorcycle Riding Academy is a pioneering initiative supported by Go aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of motorcycle riders.

As part of this initiative, the MMDA will establish a technical working group responsible for developing a Motorcycle Safety Training Course module.

Citing the alarming statistics provided by the World Health Organization in its 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety, Go emphasized the importance of road safety education, particularly for motorcycle riders who are more vulnerable on the road.

“The Philippines ranked 11 out of 175 countries in motorcycle deaths,” Go said.

According to the WHO report, 4.7 percent of the 10,012 road traffic deaths in the Philippines involved drivers or passengers of two- or three-wheelers.

Other attendees in the turnover ceremony were MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes, deputy chairman Frisco San Juan, Jr., general manager Procopio Lipana and assistant general manager for operations David Vargas.