Last week, a barangay in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, destroyed 119 open or modified motorcycle mufflers that have been causing noise in the community. How I would have loved to see that happen. Kudos to the LGU for enforcing what is an ordinance in most parts of the country but is seldom enforced. Noise pollution is just as bad as every kind of pollution there is. I cannot count the number of times an inconsiderate cretin would go full throttle in front of our house, equipped with the most ear-splitting muffler there is. And yet there is no one around to apprehend what is a clear violator of an ordinance.
The proliferation of motorcycles has given birth to a subculture of wannabe racers. Those who start by changing the factory-installed mufflers into noisy ones, as if they always race their machines. In fact, for most, this is the only modification they can afford. For them, this is enough to win any race. I have yet to see a local LGU in Metro Manila enforce the anti-open-muffler ordinance. I know Bonifacio Global City is strict in not allowing these noise polluters in their city, but we need to enforce this metro-wide if not country-wide.
Another issue is the use of the Marilaque Highway as a sort of track for high-speed riders. Videos posted on social media attest to this. And there is no shortage of accidents shown on social media as well. These riders go as far as bank steeply when negotiating a curve. Granted there are those who know what they are doing. But the problem arises when Mr. Copycat will do the same without knowing the principles of physics when negotiating a curve at high speed and end up in the trees or worse, a cliff. Some law enforcers have started apprehending these speed demons but cannot cover the whole highway.
There is very little training required by the LTO for motorcycle riders. Many get away without any training at all. It would be nice if there are responsible riders out there, and I’m not saying there aren’t, who outrightly discourage motorcycle riders' illegal and dangerous practices. Even on the roads of Metro Manila, there are those who weave in and out of vehicles for no purpose other than showing off. We do not have the roads for this. There is very little space for error for someone to be hot-dogging on the road. I’m calling out LGUs and traffic enforcers. It’s time to start enforcing ordinances regarding noisy mufflers and dangerous show-offs. And I just don’t mean motorcycle riders but public and private vehicle drivers as well. Enough is enough.