RIDE SAFE. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chair Don Artes rides a motorcycle at the inauguration of the agency’s Motorcycle Riding Academy on Meralco Avenue in Pasig City which opened on Wednesday (Sept. 27, 2023). The academy aims to decrease motorcycle-related accidents by providing theoretical and practical courses on motorcycle riding for free to the public. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urged motorcycle riders who are either beginners or experienced riders to enroll in the agency’s Motorcycle Riding Academy which opened Wednesday.

MMDA acting chair Don Artes led the inauguration of the academy at Julia Vargas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue in Pasig City.

“Hindi ako naniniwala na ang ibang motorcycle riders ay likas na walang disiplina, bagkus kulang lamang sila sa kaalaman at edukasyon sa tamang paggamit ng daan, traffic rules and regulations, and proper driving skills. ‘Yan po ang hangad natin sa pagtatayo ng MC Riding Academy – bigyan ng edukasyon ang mga motorcycle riders at baguhin ang kanilang isipan (I believe that motorcycle riders only lack the knowledge and education on traffic rules and regulations and proper driving skills. Our goal at the MC Riding Academy is to educate our motorcycle riders and change their mindset on the road),” Artes said.

The driving school aims to promote road safety on the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila by making roads safer with fewer traffic-related accidents.

The free two-day course includes basic road emergency response; road traffic rules and regulations; motorcycle orientation on basic parts; control and operation of motorcycles; demonstration of static position and moving position, and motorcycle skills practice and demonstration.

Interested participants only need to bring their full-face helmet and other safety gears. Motorcycles, most of which were donated, will be provided by the academy.

Those who complete the course and pass the skills test will be given a certificate and a badge.

Interested applicants must submit the online enrollment form through this link: https://forms.gle/UPPbryVoaKoiyxJE9

Artes said the MMDA is in talks with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Land Transportation Office for the accreditation of the academy. (PNA)