A bicycle riding advocate called on lawmakers to pass a law requiring cyclists to wear helmets.
This is amid an increase in the number of cyclists due to limited transportation in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to lawyer and bicycle enthusiast Gregorio Larrazabal, cyclists should not ignore wearing a helmet, especially as it protects against head injuries in the event of an accident.
Larrazabal was among those who helped formulate ordinances related to helmets’ requirement for cyclists in cities, particularly in Makati.
He also advised on choosing helmets to use.
“Kunin mo ‘yung measurement, diameter ng head mo, that would determine ano ang size ng helmet mo. Kailangan i-pull mo iyan when you open your mouth, kailangan may kaunting pressure sa ilalim ng bibig mo. Kung maluwag iyan mahuhulog lang. It doesn’t matter kung mahal siya o mura, ang importante rated siya at sukat sa ulo mo,”
said Larrazabal, former Commission on Elections commissioner.
Now that there is a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the number of public transport allowed to travel is still limited, some have decided to ride and buy a bicycle to work.
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Law requiring cyclists to wear helmets urged
This week, the ordinance mandating the wearing of helmets for cyclists was passed in Quezon City.
But the group Bikers United Marshalls appealed to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte not to fine those cyclists without helmets for now.
Ann Angala, spokesperson of the group, explained that most cyclists are minimum wage workers, and the fine would be a burden if they are caught.
“Sana maintindihan din natin na ‘yung mga bike commuters natin, 90 percent of them are daily wage earner. Sila po ‘yung mga construction worker, sila po ‘yung mga nagtatrabaho sa mga grocery. So ‘yung pambili ng helmet for them, it’s not priority kasi nauuna for them ‘yung pagkain,” said Angala.
Instead of being fined, cyclists should first be helped, given protective gear and education, to increase their cycling knowledge on major roads.
“Kasi kung fine agad, it might not help. It might even hamper the cyclist kasi sasabihin nila, ay naku maglalakad na lang kami, hindi na kami magba-bike kasi wala kami pambili ng helmet,” Angala added.