Requiring cyclists to wear face shields opposed

MANILA, Philippines — A group of civil society organizations and sustainable mobility advocates on Tuesday said that requiring cyclists to wear face shields over their face masks while biking could have negative impacts on people’s safety and mobility during the pandemic.

According to the Move As One Coalition, requiring cyclists to wear face shields may expose them to increased risk of road injuries and deaths, as they may be hit by speeding motor vehicles and suffer serious injuries.

“It is dangerous for people who are cycling to wear a face shield over a face mask. The face shield distorts the wearer’s vision; fogs up due to breath, the rain or humidity; and creates blind spots,” the group said in a statement.

It added that the requirement may ultimately discourage the use of bicycles during the pandemic, which may lead to overcrowding and longer lines in public transport stations.

—Mariejo S. Ramos