If there’s one thing that we realized (in terms of mobility) during the pandemic, it’s the fact that motorcycles are an indispensable tool in transporting goods. Like for instance, instead of bringing your car to dine in at a restaurant, one can simply order food through various smartphone apps and a motorcycle rider will deliver food right at your doorstep hot and fresh.
For other stuff like shoes or bags, or even documents that need to be delivered to the other side of the Metro, a delivery rider is just an app away for easy booking.
Some businesses, also use motorcycles to transport their supplies. Unfortunately, with the rising costs of fuel and traffic beginning to go back to the “old normal”, some individuals forget that a motorcycle can only carry so much stuff that overloading it compromises its stability and the rider’s safety.
On the video above which was originally published by Gadget Addict, MMDA’s EDSA boss, Edison “Bong” Nebrija and his team flagged down a motorcycle rider who carried stuff that is a little too much for what his scooter can handle.
According to the rider, his cargo of buns is just light enough for his scooter to carry. He also added that he bought the bread from a bakery in Novaliches, Quezon City, to be used in his small burger business near Baclaran, in Pasay.
Since he was apprehended by MMDA personnel in EDSA, that means, he travels at least 30-kilometers one-way just to buy burger buns for his business in Baclaran.
The MMDA was not convinced and has reminded the rider that road safety is non-negotiable, and the rider risks becoming another statistic since his cargo already inhibits his scooter’s ability to steer, and perhaps his balance is also compromised.
Unsafe cargo
As discussed in one of our feature stories, “What’s considered overloading?”, carrying cargo that goes beyond your motorcycle’s registered capacity or dimensions is considered dangerous and is a traffic offense.
As a rule of thumb, you cannot carry anything that exceeds the motorcycle's Net Capacity, which is written on the motorcycle’s Certificate of Registration (CR). Exceeding this limit will be considered by the authorities as overloading.
This figure is usually half of the Gross Vehicle Weight of the motorcycle. Also, take note that this figure is only for the cargo. Most motorcycles that are used for road use are also designed to carry one (1) pillion rider.
In Quezon City, for example, they have an ordinance specifically prohibiting overloading in motorcycles. Ordinance No. SP-2467, S-2015, prescribes the dimensions, as well as how cargo should be secured on a motorcycle. If found in violation, a rider can be fined up to PhP 3,000 plus possible revocation of his or her driver’s license.
Not worth it
Let's say that the rider is telling the truth and it is just an honest man's job. Unfortunately, if you factor in the risk and possible expenses that may arise due to unsafe riding like traffic violation fines, hospital bills, and repair costs, overloading your scooter or motorcycle with goods to save on fuel and travel time is really not a good idea.
If there's any consolation, this rider proved that his Suzuki Burgman Street 125 can also be a nice partner in business and running errands, but do it safely and properly by not overloading it next time.
