Solons want probe into motorcycle endurance run mishaps

House of Representatives plenary. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Two lawmakers from the House of Representatives have filed a resolution seeking an investigation into  the accidents that reportedly involved participants of a recently concluded motorcycle endurance run in Luzon.

House Resolution No. 1612 authored by 1-Rider party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita and Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez was read at the plenary session on Monday, and was forwarded to the House committee on transportation and committee on public order and safety.

The transportation panel is headed by Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, while the public order and safety committee is led by Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez.

While the House legislative site and the lawmakers have yet to release copies of the filed resolution, the measure bore the title “Resolution Directing the Committees on Transportation and Public Order and Safety to Conduct an Inquiry in Aid of Legislation on the Series of Life-threatening Incidents Arising from the recent 2024 Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge Luzon Leg.”

Bosita and Gutierrez were referring to the endurance run organized by the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (BOSS), where motorcycle riders and on some occasions, those who own four-wheeled vehicles, try to cover 1,200 kilometers in just 24 hours.

For the 2024 edition, several accidents were noted — and were acknowledged by BOSS — that supposedly involved Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge participants.

“However, it is with a heavy heart that we also address the unfortunate incidents that occurred. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt by the entire [BOSS] organization for those affected,” BOSS said in a statement posted at the Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge’s Facebook page last February 27.

“Each incident is one too many, and we are actively working with local authorities and safety experts to understand the circumstances surrounding these incidents so we can implement measures to prevent future occurrences,” it added.

The organization also promised to provide support and assistance to families affected by the accidents.

“To the families affected, please know that [BOSS] is committed to providing support and assistance during this challenging time.We are in the process of reaching out to offer our help in any way we can,” it added.

However, this is not the first time that Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge participants were involved in accidents.In 2017, the endurance run also drew flak for a near-fatal crash between motorcycles joining the event and a motorist going downhill from Baguio City.

READ: ‘Ironman’ draws flak for another near-fatal crash 

Then just this 2023, the Land Transportation Office suspended for 90 days the driver’s license of a motorcycle rider taking part in the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge after a clash in Ilocos Sur.

READ: LTO suspends driver for 90 days after crash with motorcycle challenge participants 

For its part, the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge management has clarified that the event is not a race but an endurance run, aimed at promoting safe road practices — noting that they have placed an effort to avoid speeding by enforcing a minimum time to finish the route, and disqualifying those who broke the rule.

“The data logs of the WRU GPS system is currently under review and it shows very concerning results. Several participants have violated the terms and condition wantonly disregarding BIMC instructions on safe riding and road safety,” the organization said last February 7.

“In the coming week we will publish the riders we are disqualifying from the BIMC Mindanao Leg regardless if you had been issued with BIMC Finisher Kits you will not be issued a BIMC Certificate and if you are listed in the Luzon Leg you are similarly considered disqualified,” it added.