Local motorcycle groups are seeking exemption from the Number Coding Ordinance claiming that they do not cause traffic congestion unlike vehicles with four wheels or more.
They made the assertion during a public consultation conducted by the city council committee on transportation.
The proposals tackled during the consultation are the proposed ordinance amending Section 1 of Ordinance 107, s. 2008, exempting private motor vehicles and chartered public utility vehicles of visitors, tourists, vacationers, or participants of sanctioned activities such as conventions, conferences and assemblies, as amended, and the proposed ordinance requiring all motorcycle, e-bike, scooter and bicycle riders to wear reflectorized vests or jackets when travelling within roads and streets of Baguio from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Representatives from motorcycle groups said the number of riders in the city amount to less than 4,000 or far less than those in the National Capital Region and other areas, hence, are not significant contributors to the city’s traffic problems.
They also pointed out that many of them purchased motorcycles as a second means of transportation since these are easier to maneuver in traffic and even takes less parking space.
All the groups agreed about wearing reflectorized vests in the proposed ordinance, saying it is not only for their safety but also for the safety of other motorists and pedestrians.
The groups are requesting, however, that they be allowed to use the vests or jackets that their organizations already have as long as these are reflectorized.– Gaby Keith
