The Makati City government has enacted an ordinance requiring the wearing of a protective helmet by riders on bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and similar conveyances.
City Ordinance No. 2017-134, named the “Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Skates and other Similar Forms of Conveyances Safe Riding Ordinance of the City of Makati,” requires both riders and passengers of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and the like to wear a protective helmet while traveling on any road or street within the city limits.
It was enacted on Dec. 5 and published last Dec. 12 in a newspaper of general circulation. The city Law Department, Liga ng mga Barangay and Public Safety Department will be crafting the implementing guidelines of the ordinance.
Prior to its full enforcement, these agencies will conduct an information drive among motorists and residents to ensure its effective implementation.
Mayor Abigail Binay supported the legislation in line with her firm commitment to make the city “child-friendly” in every way.
“We often see small children riding on bicycles without helmets, youngsters riding on skateboards, roller skates, and the like without helmets. This dangerous practice must stop,” Binay said.
“I call on parents and barangay leaders to work with us in establishing a ‘safety first’ attitude to protect vulnerable Makatizens from harm, especially while traveling on busy roads and streets in the city,” the mayor appealed.
The ordinance also sets a limit on the number of child passengers that may be conveyed on a bicycle, allowing only one, subject to the following conditions: a) The child is wearing a protective helmet; and 2) The child’s arms can reach and grasp the handle bars of the bicycle, and be able to hold on during transit.
Under the ordinance, the term “bicycle” also includes electric bicycles or e-bikes.
For pedicabs or bicycles with side cars, a maximum of three children will be allowed to get on board, but only in its sidecar.
Violators of the ordinance shall be meted P1,000 on the first offense, P2,000 on the second offense, and P3,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both at the discretion of the court, on the third offense.
Moreover, the ordinance prohibits children from riding a bicycle alone, unless the following conditions are met: a) The child’s feet can comfortably reach the ground while aboard the bicycle; b) The child’s arms can reach and grasp the handle bars of the bicycle and be able to hold on during transit; and c) The child is wearing a protective helmet.
Children who are caught riding a bicycle alone without complying with these guidelines will be rescued and placed under the custody of the Punong Barangay, his authorized representative or a licensed social worker.
The child will only be released back to the parent or guardian once they provide documents proving their relationship with the child. Afterwards, the parent or guardian and the child shall sign an agreement to undergo immediate counseling and attend a Parent Effectiveness Seminar.
In the absence of a parent or guardian, the child may be released to any barangay official, Bantay Bayan or Barangay Council for the Protection of Children member.
The ordinance defines “child/children” as persons below 18 years of age or those over but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
The only exception to the provisions of the ordinance is when a child needs immediate medical attention.
According to a 2015 report of the Metro Manila Development Authority, 932 bicycle-related road crashes were recorded, with 26 fatalities.
