Bill protecting child riders moves in House

MANILA, Philippines—Children below 10 who are not wearing protective helmets will soon be prohibited from riding on motorcyles.

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a proposed law imposing such a prohibition, among other things, to ensure their safety.

House Bill No. 5626, to be known as the Motorcycle Safety for Children Act of 2011, would prohibit any person from transporting children on a motorcycle along highways and roadways unless the child is wearing a standard protective helmet as provided for under Republic Act No. 10054,  The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.”

RA 10054 also provides that a child could be transported if his or her feet can comfortably reach the foot rests of the motorcycle and the arms of the child can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle driver.

Caloocan City Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon, one of the bill’s authors, said the measure likewise seeks to limit the number of motorcycle passengers to two, including the driver, except in remote areas when the child to be transported requires immediate medical treatment.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, another coauthor, said “children’s physical frailty and their lack of agility compared to that of an adult while riding on a motorcycle places them at great risk.”

The bill proposes to fine violators not more than P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for the second offense and P10,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.