QC proposal punishes motorbike users with kids as passengers

A proposed ordinance that prohibits young children from traveling on motorcycles is up for review by the Quezon City council.

The measure, authored by 6th District Councilor Melencio Castelo Jr., seeks to promote child safety on the road by penalizing motorcycle users who take children below 10 years old as passengers. Violators face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000.

If passed, it may be the first of its kind in Metro Manila, where it is not uncommon to see motorcycles carrying minors, sometimes more than one child on a bike.

Castelo cited a study by the nongovernment organization Safe Kids Philippines which showed that around 35,000 Filipino children nationwide figure in road accidents each year, many of them ending up disabled or dead.

In 2011, the group noted that 11 to 14 percent of road accidents involving children are cases involving motorcycles, according to the councilor.

Castelo explained: “A motorcycle is not a safe means of transportation (for) small children, who should be prohibited from riding them.”

“Children would be safe on them if they are big enough to reach the motorcycle foot pegs, big enough to wrap their arms around the waist of the driver and are wearing helmets during the ride,” he added.

The proposed measure prohibits a motorcycle rider from taking a child below 10 years old as a passenger on any street in Quezon City.

It allows older children to ride motorbikes on the following conditions: They are wearing standard protective head gear as required under the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009; their feet can comfortably reach the footrest of the motorcycle; and their arms can reach around the waist of the driver for a firm hold.

Violators will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second and P3,000 for succeeding violations.

A higher fine of P5,000 is set if the violator also figured in an accident that put the child’s life in danger.

The proposed ordinance designates the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety as its chief enforcer.