ILOILO – Necessity is the mother of invention – and motorcycle modification.
With the firm stand of the national government prohibiting backriders on motorcycles at this time of coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. thought of a modified motorcycle design that ensures no physical contact between the driver and the backrider.
He submitted his proposal to Land Transportation Office (LTO) assistant secretary Edgar Galvante through LTO regional director Eric Lenard Tabaldo late afternoon on June 5.
The modified motorcycle design featured a divider or windshield made of non-porous and transparent material installed between the driver and the backrider.
Defensor personally commissioned a builder in Iloilo City to execute his design using the motorcycle of his staff.
The modified motorcycle was presented to the public on Friday afternoon.
A handle bar has been attached to the divider’s frame that the backrider could grip for a more secure ride.
As part of the health protocol, said Defensor, both the driver and backrider must wear crash helmets, facemasks and gloves and perform disinfecting procedures immediately before and after the trip.
Defensor thought of this motorcycle modification following public clamor and in consideration of the sentiments of the municipal mayors about the need to allow backriders.
Motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation in the municipalities.
Earlier, the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter led by San Enrique’s Mayor Enrique Fernandez passed a resolution urging the LTO and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow backriders on motorcycles.
Defensor himself asked Assistant Secretary Galvante to consider allowing three passengers for tricycles – one passenger at the front seat, one at the back seat and one backrider.
He proposed that a divider made of non-porous and transparent material shall be installed between the front seat and back seat and also a divider between the driver and the backrider.
Under IATF guidelines only one passenger is allowed for tricycles.
Defensor hopes his proposal would be considered by the LTO. It would be of great help to people especially during this time when access to public transportation is difficult, he said. (ECG, Capitol News/PN)
