Riders’ group: Motorcyclists are not criminals

A motorcycle riders’ group has organized a unity ride to denounce alleged anti-motorcycle rider regulations imposed by the national government agencies and local government units.

“Motorcycle riders are not criminals.  We are professionals who are trying to make an honest living,” the United Riders for Equality, Rights, Dignity and Welfare said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“On May 27, 2018, five thousand motorcycle riders will join a unity ride that will start at the People Power Monument on EDSA at 6 a.m., and end in Mendiola,” the group added.

The group also noted that other events would occur in Cebu and Bohol simultaneously, as a show of force against certain policies.

“The unity ride is a show of force among motorcycle riders, who are making a stand against discriminatory policies and regulations issued and enforced by national and local government agencies,” the group said.

“We are coming out now to put a face to the many law-abiding motorcycle riders, who face the daily challenges of being stared down by the law and the law enforcement personnel,” they added.

In the statement, the group enlisted some of the rules that they are against, such as  the alleged tagging of riders as criminals, gender-based discrimination on female riders, the anti-modification regulations, and the no-helmet and half face helmet ordinances of some cities, among others.

The group also pushed for the legalization of motorcycle taxis, citing the demand of these services among workers who would prefer to go to work or home earlier.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended a motorcycle-hailing app on November 2017 after failing to produce the necessary business permits.

According to a previous report, LTFRB cannot accredit private motorcycle taxis as they are not allowed to provide franchises for two-wheeled vehicles.

READ: Angkas to suspend operations on Nov. 18, apologizes to LTFRB, public

However, for the group, government agencies should review these policies.

“We urge the government to not turn a blind eye to the needs of the motorcycle riding community.  We urge the government to review the regulations and policies that treat motorcycle riders unfairly and unjustly.” /je

READ: LTFRB: Ex-Angkas drivers can’t offer free rides