There’s less exposure to virus for those using bikes, motorbikes – study

MANILA, Philippines — Two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles provide sufficient ventilation and help lessen the possibility of coronavirus transmission between the driver and passenger, according to a study by the University of the Philippines College of Public Health (UP-CPH).

The UP-CPH study, which was conducted to “[empower] people to resume their normal lives in the middle of the pandemic,” pointed out that poorly ventilated spaces could help the virus thrive and infect passengers.

It also cited a similar study in China, saying that higher wind velocity had a greater possibility of lessening cases.

Researchers behind the study recommended that both bikers and passengers wear protective equipment such as masks and helmets, and follow minimum health standards such as regular hand hygiene, disinfection of commonly touched surfaces, and washing and cleaning of equipment.

Barriers

While the use of plastic barriers to separate the passenger from the biker has yet to be validated by such studies, the researchers said the use of barriers was allowed to minimize possible person-to-person transmission of the virus.

The government has gone back and forth between banning motorcycle taxis and allowing couples on the same vehicle or people who need to report for work.

Ride-hailing service Angkas may soon be back on the road if the government approves the use of motorcycles as public transport.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Sunday added his voice to calls among government officials to let motorcycle taxis resume operations.

—With a report from Marlon Ramos