VARIOUS riders clubs under United Clubs Negros (UCN) demanded in a meeting with the media Saturday, July 25, the immediate scrapping of NIATF-DILG policy on barrier.
The group said the barrier is unsafe, risky and extra expense of the riders already scrambling for their daily basic sustenance.
Jan Plantillo, president of UCN, said, "Our organization is one with the government in its call and campaign to strictly observe basic health protocols to prevent the further spread of Covid-19, because we as riders move people and goods from one place to another."
"We cannot however agree with the latest measure of the government to put up barrier in motorcycle with back rider because it affects the aerodynamics of the motorcycle and causes instability in the motorcycle and the driver's balance," Pantillo said.
Gloricelle Mabalot, UCN secretary and president of NSRAI riders, said: "The barrier is already unnecessary because both the rider and his backrider wear facemasks and helmets, the basic health protocols mandated by the NIATF."
"I am wondering why the government imposes something on the riders when we have always been compliant of their rules and protocols; what are we guinea pigs for whatever the government plans to do for us?" said Jun Fernandez, UCN auditor and vice president of MPRC riders.
Rogin Dilag, president of UMRC and member of UCN, also lambasted the government for all its oppressive impositions on the riders, saying: "It is obvious they are making money from us riders and other motorists; first the doble plaka which is impractical and risky to motorcycle and riders, and whose penalties are extremely exorbitant and exploitative, then the funny but despicable requirements for backriders like marriage certificate, etc, and then this barrier. Kami na nga mahihirap, kami pa ang pinapatay!"
The UCN and other riders clubs are filing one after another petition letters for the scrapping of the barrier policy to the local government, hoping the LGU could intervene and do something beneficial to the riders and motorists.