MMDA seen to open motorcycle riding academy in Q1 this year

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 25) — An academy for motorcyclists will soon rise in Metro Manila, where the government will offer classes for free in a bid to prevent road accidents.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chairman Don Artes on Wednesday said the Motorcycle Riding Academy is now under construction and is expected to open within the first quarter of the year.

“We thought of establishing this Motorcycle Riding Academy in order to give refresher course to our motorcycle riders insofar as traffic rules and regulations are concerned, traffic discipline and safety, and basic riding skills training,” he told CNN Philippines’ New Day.

Last year, the MMDA recorded over 24,000 motorcycle-related accidents, of which 258 resulted in deaths, Artes said.

The agency also noted that a 2018 report by the World Health Organization showed the Philippines ranked 11th out of 175 countries in terms of the highest number of road traffic deaths.

According to the MMDA, both beginners and experienced riders may enroll at the academy for free and will be given certificates upon completion of the training.

Classes will include classroom-type lectures and actual motorcycle-riding simulation exercises.

The MMDA said that among others, the module will provide training on the basic control and operation of motorcycles, various road traffic rules, necessary skills to avoid hazardous situations, and basic emergency response.

It added that the academy will be located at the vacant property of the Government Service Insurance System along Julia Vargas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue in Pasig City.

"The agency is also in talks with motorcycle ride-hailing groups such as Grab that riders who completed the course in the academy will be given priority in their employment," it said.