‘Allow some kids on motorcycles’

The Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division is supportive of the measure that seeks to amend City Ordinance (CO) 2033 or the local law that prohibits carrying children on motorcycles.

In a public hearing last Tuesday, lawyer Bienvenido Jaca of DepEd said they have no objection to the proposed amendment in the ordinance, but clarified that children who are even below seven years old, but can reach the standard foot peg of the motorcycle may be allowed to ride.

Under CO 2033, motorcycle drivers are not allowed to carry children from seven years old and below as their back riders.

But Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, author of the proposed amendment, explained that the updated CO 2033 provides exceptions as to which children may be allowed to ride a motorcycle.

Under the amendment in Section 3, it shall be unlawful for any person to drive two-wheeled motorcycles with a child on board on public roads where there is a heavy volume of vehicles; there is a high density of fast moving vehicles; or where there is a speed limit of more than 60 kilometers per hour.

However, carrying children is allowed if the child passenger’s feet can comfortably reach the standard foot peg of the motorcycle and if the child’s arm can wrap around the waist of the driver.

Pesquera also introduced additional provisions under section 6 of CO 2033.

“Qualifying Circumstances. If in violation of the provision of this ordinance, death shall have resulted or serious or less serious injuries shall have been inflicted upon the child or any other person, a penalty of one year imprisonment shall be imposed upon the motorcycle rider or operator of motorcycle involved without prejudice to the penalties provided under Republic Act 3815 otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines,” read a portion of Section 6.