MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday reminded cyclists to follow safety rules after she was fined P300 for not wearing a helmet during a biking event.
Belmonte and Cherie Atilano of the United Nations Food System Champions were issued citation tickets by the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) for violating Ordinance 2942-2021.
Belmonte was one of the bikers flagged for non-wearing of helmet during the Cycle to End Violence Against Women (VAW) event.
She said one of the participants did not have a helmet so she decided to give her protective gear to her fellow biker.
“I commend our DPOS personnel for strictly implementing our ordinance. Wala silang sinisino kapag nagpatupad ng batas,” Belmonte said, adding that other violators were also fined P300.
She reminded bikers and motorists to strictly follow rules and health protocols to ensure their safety.
Last year, the city govermment started the mandatory implementation of the bike helmet policy.
Violators will be fined P300, P500 and P1,000 for the first, second and third offense, respectively.
End violence against women
The Cycle to End VAW event was conducted to mark the start of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women.
It was also held to commemorate the third anniversary of the #RespetoNaman Movement and the National Bike Day on Nov. 18.
The participants cycled along the bike lanes around the city hall and the nearby Elliptical and Agham Roads.
“Through this event, we hope to spread awareness among the public about the importance of protecting the rights of women by addressing all forms of gender-based violence,” Belmonte said.
Among those who joined the event were Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Dutch Ambassador Saskia de Lang, Austrian Ambassador Bita Rasoulian, Philippine Commission on Women chairperson Sandra Montano, Bikers United co-founder Ann Angala, Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago and Councilors Irene Belmonte, Ivy Lagman, Peachy de Leon and Mayen Juico.