MMDA aims to reduce road accidents with motorcycle academy

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to further reduce motorcycle-related accidents to make roads safer for the public.

In a recent announcement, MMDA Acting Chairperson Atty. Don Artes said the agency will form a technical working group (TWG) that will come up with a motorcycle safety training course module that will teach beginners and experienced riders about motorcycle types, safety laws, and rules & regulations, among others. Moreover, Artes added that the academy will teach motorcycle riders basic emergency response.

“The Academy would provide riders with formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding. Through this Motorcycle Riding Academy, we aim to further promote road safety, particularly to our motorcyclists who are very much at risk [of] road mishaps,” said Artes.

The Acting Chairman mentioned that putting up the academy is a good opportunity to “refresh and hone” riders' skills and learn first aid should they become part of an accident. The training will be offered to all interested participants for free. Those who will complete the training will receive certificates. The MMDA will also partner with local government units in Metro Manila, as well as ride-hailing groups.

According to a 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines ranked 11^th out of 175^th countries with the reported number of road traffic deaths at 10,012. 4.7% of which are drivers/passengers of 2- or 3-wheelers.

In a separate report, the MMDA Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System recorded in 2018 that motorcycle riders ranked among the highest road crash fatalities at around 38% or 224 fatalities from a total of 590. Fatalities also rose in 2020 and 2021 recorded at 253 and 295, respectively.