The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday officially opened its Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City, aiming to provide basic knowledge on handling and operating motorcycles with a focus on safe riding.
The academy will hold free training for individuals aged 17 years old and above, accommodating 100 participants per batch. Motorcycles will be provided by the academy.
“This will address undisciplined riders change their mindset when on the road,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
The MMDA reported a significant rise in motorcycle-related deaths and crashes since 2015.
Vice President and concurrent Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte expressed her support for the project, stating that it will assist in mitigating risks by equipping riders with the necessary knowledge and abilities for riding safely.
“Motorcycles are a common mode of transportation in Metro Manila and the rest of the nation, but they are also among the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. The academy will assist in mitigating risks by equipping riders with the necessary knowledge and abilities for riding safely,” said Duterte.
“To save lives and reduce the number of motorcycle-related accidents on Metro Manila’s roads, I support the MMDA’s implementation of this initiative,” she added.
Participants must be able to balance and ride a motorcycle, provide their own standard full-face helmet, full-finger gloves, and rain gear, and optional reflective safety vest.
Documentary requirements for participants include photocopies of a Driver’s License or Student’s Permit, barangay clearance, Certificate of Employment, medical certificate/health declaration, and waiver.
A motorcycle safety course waiver form must be signed by both the student and their parents if the applicant is 17 years old.
The two-day course includes Basic Road Emergency Response, Road Traffic Rules and Regulations, Motorcycle Orientation on basic parts, control and operation of motorcycles, demonstration of static position and moving position, and Motorcycle Skills Practice and Demonstration.
Those who complete the Basic Motorcycle Rider Course and pass the Motorcycle Riding Skills Test will receive a Certificate of Completion and a badge.
The MMDA has partnered with several stakeholders for the conceptualization of modules and donations of motorcycles, container vans, tents, and helmets.
Artes said among those whom the MMDA partnered with are the Government Service Insurance System which owns the vacant property that will house the Academy, Watanabe Riding Development Head Coach Dashi Watanabe for trainers’ training, and Honda Philippines for technical assistance and motorcycle units.
“This reflects that the bayanihan spirit is alive and together we are responding to the call of President Ferdinand Marcos for unity,” he said.