Bohol riders welcome OK of pillion riding on motorcycles for couples

The back riding shield prototype recommended by Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap was adopted by the National Task Force against COVID-19. —LEO UDTOHAN

TAGBILARAN CITY –– The national government’s decision to allow pillion riding on motorcycles for couples, who live together, was well received by many riders, particularly those in remote places.

Ariel Simbajon, a resident of Bohol, said motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation for low-income wage earners.

He said he had to install an acrylic divider on his motorcycle so he could ply the road with a partner.

“I have to prepare a budget for it because that’s the way we are going. We can’t do anything about that because we will be arrested if we don’t follow the rules,” said Simbajon who works in a mall.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday announced that motorcycle back-riding for couples would be allowed starting July 10.

He said the government’s national task force against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has approved the recommendation of Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap that couples should be allowed to share a motorcycle but must put a shield in between.

The main feature of Yap’s design is a divider made of an acrylic screen between the driver and the backrider in order not to compromise their health and safety.

Both driver and passenger would be required to wear crash helmets and face masks.

Año reminded the public riders to be careful, especially that the design of the motorcycle is modified.

He said pillion riders would be asked to present documents at quarantine control points or to law enforcers as proof that they are indeed a couple. He said that a married couple has the same last name and for common-law partners, they must share the same address.

Año said they must also bring copies of their marriage certificate and present identification cards if asked by law enforcers.

LZB