The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday announced it will establish a Motorcycle Riding Academy in the National Capital Region designed to reduce motorcycle-related accidents and to make the roads safer.
Under the project, the MMDA will create a technical working group for the formulation of a safety training course module that would give both beginners and experienced riders proper training and basic knowledge such as different types, characteristics, basic parts, basic control and operation of motorcycles; various road safety laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of motorcycles; necessary driving skills on how to avoid hazardous situations, and; understanding risk awareness and risk taking.
The Academy will also provide basic emergency response training for the motorcycle riders.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes said the planned academy will provide motorcycle riders the necessary riding and basic emergency response skills.
“The academy would provide riders with formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding,” Artes said
“Through this Motorcycle Riding Academy, we aim to further promote road safety, particularly to our motorcyclists who are very much at risk to road mishaps. It’s a good opportunity for them to refresh and hone their riding skills and to provide first aid to people who will encounter unexpected road accidents,” he added.
In 2018, the MMDA Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) recorded motorcycle riders as amongst the highest road crash fatalities at around 38% or 224 fatalities from a total 590. Fatalities increased from 2020 and 2021 recorded at 253 and 295, respectively.
According to the 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines ranked 11th out of 175th countries with the reported number of road traffic deaths at 10,012 of which 4.7% are drivers/passengers of 2- or 3- wheelers.
The training will be open to all interested participants for free and they will be given certificates upon completion of lectures, practical application, and Basic Emergency Response Course.
Lectures include Riding Courtesy, Motorcycle Orientation, Road Traffic Rules and Regulations, and Safety Laws; while simulation exercises include Preparing to Ride, Common Riding Situations, MC Safety Driving Demonstration, and Motorcycle Basic Riding Course
The proposed location is at the vacant property of the Government Service Insurance System along Julia Vargas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. The MMDA and GSIS will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement for the utilization of the property.
The MMDA will also collaborate with concerned Metro Manila local government units and other stakeholders in the promotion of the Academy which is expected to be operational on the first quarter of 2023.
