Racing legends: Barriers more dangerous for riders

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu’s racing legends are calling on the authorities to re-assess the approved motorcycle barrier designs following several reported accidents related to the barriers.

Asian Road Racing Championship leg champion Mario Borbon Jr. and one of the country’s living legends of motocross, Pepo Rubi both Cebuanos, have raised serious concerns on safety and the effectiveness of the barrier in containing the coronavirus.

The barriers required by the national government’s lockdown implementers are designed like a backpack worn by the vehicle’s driver. The government earlier approved barrier designs attached to the motorcycle after it allowed backriding for couples.

Rubi said the barrier makes the ride more dangerous because it blocks the wind flow.

“More dangerous riding alone. Mura kag nag-sakay og sail boat with engines and wheels (but could not navigate it well since it is at the back). The shield has a bad effect on aerodynamics,” said Rubi.

He said it is even more dangerous during a downpour.

“Samot na kun ting-uwan or ting hangin. Kana balibag na gyud ta ana. Dapat gyud gani ang driver and passenger sikit para ang bug-at naa sa center,” he said.

Rubi and Borbon both suggested to conduct a test ride first.

Ian Reyes, a doctor and a motocrosser himself, also described the barrier as unnecessary.

“If limited to wife/live-in/son/daughter ang backride meaning kuyog ra sa balay then I don't think kailangan ni barriers kay delekado ni sa airflow. Pwede siguro if rigid barriers,” he said.

Reyes, Rubi, Borbon and another decorated multi-discipline rider, Sylvester Ramirez, all agreed that it is better to have a full-face helmet for both the rider and back-rider on top of a face mask.

However, if motorcycle designs are indeed needed in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, another doctor, Karen Woolbright, said it is better improving the barrier design.

“We should improve the barrier design. I know that it has good intentions but the aerodynamics cause more harm than good in the end,” she said.

“We need to streamline the design to create safety caused by the drag of the air, comfort for the passenger who is holding on for life on top of the barrier, and decrease the draft of air from the driver to the passenger (which is supposedly the purpose of the barrier but is functioning otherwise),” she added.

Woolbright believes that the design is not difficult to alter.

“Let’s get the help of an engineer who is knowledgeable in air dynamics. Maybe it can be made in Cebu!” she said.  KQD (FREEMAN)