MMDA Riding Academy a go, trainers get training from Dashi Watanabe

MMDA puts riding academy trainers to refresher course from champion PSBK rider

Back in January of this year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it plans to establish its own riding academy aimed at teaching motorcycle riders the proper and safe way to ride.

Just recently, members of the agency’s motorcycle unit underwent a motorcycle training and refresher course under the tutelage of former Philippine superbike champion, Dashi Watanabe of Watanabe Riding Development (WRD), at the Clark International Speedway (CIS), Mabalacat, Pampanga.

“We hope to further improve road safety through the [MMDA] Motorcycle Riding Academy, especially among our motorcyclists, who are particularly vulnerable to accidents on the road,” said MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Don Artes.

Watanabe, who is a 4-time Philippine Superbike champion, says that it is not enough that motorcycle riders just know how to operate a motorcycle. There is definitely a science behind safe motorcycle riding.

“The trainers’ training is in support of the MMDA's Motorcycle Riding Academy. I believe that educating motorcycle riders is important in the prevention of road traffic crashes. Knowing how to drive a motorcycle is not enough. Riders should have the proper knowledge on the rules, operation, safety gear, risks of riding, discipline, defensive driving, among others,” said Watanabe.

A motorcycle safety training course module is now being formulated that would give both beginners and experienced riders proper training and basic knowledge such as different types, characteristics, basic parts, and basic control and operation of motorcycles; various road safety laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the operation of motorcycles; necessary driving skills on how to avoid hazardous situations; and an understanding of risk awareness and risk-taking.

Under the project, the training session will include classroom-type lectures and actual motorcycle-riding simulation exercises. The training will be open to all interested participants for FREE, and they will be given certificates upon completion of lectures, practical application, and the Basic Emergency Response Course.

The Riding Academy is now being set up at a vacant property of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) along Julia Vargas AVE., corner Meralco AVE., Pasig City.