The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started the training and refresher courses for motorcycle riders who will serve as trainers at the Motorcycle Riding Academy being constructed by the agency.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the training of trainers is to equip select personnel in preparation for the establishment of the Motorcycle Riding Academy that will offer free classes in a bid to decrease motorcycle-related accidents and make roads safer.
“The Motorcycle Riding Academy will offer free classes in a bid to decrease motorcycle-related accidents and make roads safer.”
“We hope to further improve road safety through the Motorcycle Riding Academy, especially among our motorcyclists, who are particularly vulnerable to accidents on the road,” Artes said.
The training is being conducted at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga, by Coach Dashi Watanabe, head coach of Watanabe Riding Development, who volunteered to do so.
“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,” Watanabe said.
Amid road crashes involving motorcycle riders, he urged riders to take advantage of the free training that will give them a refresher course on traffic rules and regulations, traffic discipline and safety, and basic riding skills training, etc.
“The Academy will also provide basic emergency response training for the motorcycle riders.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Victor Pablo Trinidad, Assistant General Manager for Operations officer-in-charge, the training, done in batches of 10 personnel, is focused on preparations on how to ride their motorcycle, wear proper safety gear, pointers on safety, and drills and techniques that the trainers could teach the riders.”
“Aside from providing riders with formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding, the Academy will also provide basic emergency response training for the motorcycle riders,” Trinidad explained.
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 Avenue, corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.
