The use of motorcycles and bicycles is strongly encouraged by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), particularly during general community quarantine and after.
“The use of bicycles and similar devices are highly encouraged, and LGUs are also encouraged to identify bike-lanes, or bike-only roads,” the agency said, when it announced guidelines for road transport last week.
This is because, while public transport will resume operations, it will do so at reduced capacity to ensure compliance with strict safety measures against COVID-19 transmission. This may result in more delays for the commuting public. By commuting on their own, with the use of bicycles or motorcycles, they can leave at their desired times while still complying with social distancing measures.
"Mahalaga po ang magiging papel ng mga motorcycles at mga bisikleta dahil na rin po sa limitadong kapasidad ng pang-publpikong sasakyan," DOTr Assistant Secretary Steve Pastor told GMA News in an interview.
Despite the encouragement, the agency still warns that pillion riding is still prohibited for bicycles and motorcycles. These vehicles are strictly for one passenger only.
In order to encourage their use, and provide safe areas for their use on roads, Pastor said that the agency is already coordinating with local authorities in establishing bicycle lanes for road safety.
"Sa two-wheel transport, ang pinaka-importante po ang kaligtasan kung kaya't kami po ay patuloy na nakikipag-uganayan sa mga LGU, para sa pamamagitan ng DILG, gayon na rin po sa MMDA, para magkaroon po ng lanes for bicycles, even for EDSA, (With two-wheel transport, the safety of the public is the most important, which is why we continue to coordinate with LGUs through the DILG. We’re also talking to the MMDA to create bicycle lanes even on EDSA." Pastor told GMA News.
This importance of motorcycles after the lifting of lockdowns around the world was also highlighted by Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati, which believes that bike sales will boom around the world, following more stringent social distancing measures. It believes motorcycles are the most efficient and enjoyable means of getting around while still complying with government measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
