Study thoroughly proposals on back-riding – Go

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Bong Go has called on the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the National Task Force (NTF) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to consider a thorough and scientific study of various proposals for motorcycle back-riding.

While he welcomed the government’s decision to allow motorcycle back-riding for certain cases, Go cited the need to impose rules that would protect drivers, backriders and the general public.

He also urged concerned agencies to consult riders and motorcycle safety experts so they could assist in determining the measures that should be required by government for back-riding such as the installation of makeshift shields on motorcycle units.

“Let us not give the Filipino people additional burden. Let us ensure their safety when they use shields or any installation to their motorcycles to prevent accidents and injuries,” he added.

Earlier, Go expressed his support for the IATF’s decision to allow back-riding on motorcycles specifically for married couples since public transportation is still limited in many areas in the country.

Guidelines on back-riding for couples were submitted by IATF’s technical working group for finalization. The same have also been submitted to the NTF which is also expected to come up with its own recommendations.

According to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, the government is still open to more proposals, particularly on designs of barriers to be required between motorcycle drivers and back-riders.