Motorcycle shield vs. COVID-19 can make rider lose control, says expert

A motoring expert on Thursday expressed safety concerns about the government’s prototype shield that must be used by motorcycle back-riders.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras,” the prototype shield design by the provincial government of Bohol was recently approved by the government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force.

The design consists of an acrylic sheet attached to a pre-fabricated bracket that is connected to the passenger footrest.

The shield also has handles for the back-rider’s use.

“Puwede na pong kopyahin ng publiko ‘yun. Bahala na sila kung papaano nila ‘yun ipapagawa. Hindi naman ano ‘yun komplikadong disenyo,” Interior spokesman Jonathan Malaya said.

However, motoring expert Aris Ilagan expressed reservations with the prototype.

He said that the shield will affect the aerodynamics of the motorcycle and poses safety risks, especially when there are strong winds.

“Itutulak ka ng motor papuntang bangketa, ‘di mo alam bakit. Mararamdaman mo pumapalag ‘yung motor sa hangin,” Ilagan explained.

Ilagan added that the shield will affect turns made by the motorcycle rider since the back-rider is holding on the handles of the shield.

“Pag-isipan, planuhin, sukatin, at subukan bago po isabak,” he told riders.

The government earlier announced that motorcycle back-riding will now be allowed if couples can present proof that they live in the same household.  -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News