Angkas offers motorcycle shield design

This is our contribution to the existing pandemic and to curb the further transmission. The barrier is an added protection between both passengers.

Motorcycle-hailing app Angkas yesterday announced that it will release to the public the backpack-inspired motorcycle shield design approved by the country’s coronavirus task force, as part of its contribution to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a television interview, Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca said the government has approved on Monday the plastic barrier design that is attached to the driver like a backpack and with handles on the lower part to reduce human contact.

Royeca said with widely available materials, the shield would cost around P200 to P250 to make.

“This is our contribution to the existing pandemic and to curb the further transmission,” Royeca said. “The barrier is an added protection between both passengers. The idea here is really not just for couples, but eventually later on, if the quarantine measures are lifted, then we’ll be able to use this shield for everybody.”

Other advocates earlier proposed a barrier shield attached to the motorbike, which Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla described as “dangerous, inconvenient and does not make sense.”

“Dear IATF: Thank you for the new Backride Policy for Couples. Unfortunately, whoever did the design has no experience riding motorcycles,” Remulla said in an earlier social media post.

The Cavite governor said wearing a face mask, jacket and helmet should be enough for the passengers, as government earlier said only couples are allowed due to the low chance of COVID-19 transmission in a household.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier allayed safety concerns of motorists on the use of the barrier, which Remulla said might affect balance when riding a motorcycle.

The use of motorcycles has increased due to the lack of public transportation as the country continued to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Motorcycle ride-hailing operations were suspended in March when the entire Luzon was placed under lockdown. The pilot run for motortaxis has expired.

The Department of Health is studying a proposal on a “special suit” for motorcycle taxi drivers that would help to provide social distancing with the passenger, presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said.