Plastic barriers are needed if ever couples who are living in the same house plan to do pillion-riding or motorcycle backriding here in Bohol.
Authorities debunked the notion circulating in social media that, allegedly, the barrier between the motorcycle driver and the backrider is no longer needed.
It was emphasized by Gov.Art Yap during the press briefing on Friday, July 24, 2020 that motorcycle backriding is only allowed for: husband and wife, common law partners, boyfriend/girlfriend who are living in the same house. However, it was emphasized that these couples have to use the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) -approved barrier design.
In addition, couples have to prove that they are married via the marriage certificates and valid IDs showing the addresses.
Moreover, other couples who may not be married may also show proof that they are live in partners by some form of documents authenticating their having the same address as they are living together. An identification card may also be shown. .
Bohol provincial authorities say that motorcycle backriding is not allowed for children or other family members, as it is exclusive to couples.
ENGINEERS SAY MOTORCYCLE BARRIERS ARE UNSAFE
According to a report of Sun.Star Philippines, the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineering (PSME) in a position paper submitted on July 23, 2020 claims that the barrier approved by the IATF may compromise the safety, health, the economy, and the environment.
Motorcycle backriding has been allowed since July 10, 2020 for couples living together in area which are under general community quarantine (GCQ). Bohol is currently under modified GCQ.
Couples may do backriding as long as there is an IATF-approved barrier installed between the driver and the backrider, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid) virus.
One of the barrier designs approved by the IATF is the design submitted by the provincial government of Bohol.
PSME national president Jeffrey Singson said that based on aerodynamics engineering, a barrier attached on the moving motorcycle may cause a build up of pressure especially on the front side of the barrier, at the same time creating turbulence and suction on the back side of the barrier.
In this regard, the mechanical engineers say that there is no guarantee thaf the barrier will be able to protect the driver and the backrider from the spread of the Covid virus.
Moreover, the barrier, when the motorcycle is in motion increases air resistance.
As a result, the barrier causing air resistance may impact fuel consumption, in turn causing increased emission, resulting to air pollution.
Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, the Joint Task Force Covid shield commander said that the two (2) approved designs, the one submitted by the Bohol provincial government and the motorcycle taxi service Angkas were subjected to a thorough study and some safety tests.
“Before approving them, our (National Task Force) NTF Against Covid-19 made sure that the barriers are not only effective to shield both the riders from coronavirus infection but also safe from road accidents,” he said.