The MMDA received a very generous donation of close to 2,000 backrider shields (MC barrier). This was shared by EDSA boss, Edison “Bong” Nebrija in his social media.
The donation was anonymous. Nonetheless, the MMDA will be more than happy to give these away to anyone who needs them. These should be especially useful for riders who transport medical frontliners and are not from the same household, or workmates who do not live in the same household.
“Somebody donated these motorcycle barriers to our team and we are sharing it for free to those who needs or wants it,” said Nebrija.
For those who are in need of these barriers, the EDSA boss says, just need to drop by their EDSA-Timog base to get one.
Backrider shield
The MC barrier, also called a “backrider shield”, has been really a hot topic since it was imposed by the IATF for riders with pillions.
After much discussion between concerned groups from the riding community and the government, the Joint Task Force COVID Shield finally allowed pillion riding without the barrier requirement, provided that both the rider and pillion live in the same household. Even without the barrier, both riders must wear a helmet with at least a visor that covers the entire face.
For riders not living in the same home, the task force requires a barrier similar to the approved design submitted by Angkas. The driver of the motorcycle need not be an Authorized Person Outside of Residence (APOR), however, the passenger must be an APOR.
