Riders' Agenda on the 2019 Elections

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RIDERS' AGENDA ON THE 2019 ELECTIONS:

INCLUSION OF RIDERS RIGHTS AND SAFETY 

ON CANDIDATES’ ELECTORAL PLATFORM

As the 2019 election is fast approaching, a lot of candidates are presenting themselves as champions of the basic. They fashion their platforms depending on the interest of sectors they are courting. We have heard about job security, universal health, free education etc. But very rare that we hear candidates talk about the welfare of the riding public - the commuters, the road users and the motorcycle riders.

Who are the motorcycle riders?

First, let us make a quick familiarization of who are the motorcycle riders and their significance to the upcoming elections.

As per Land Transportation Office (LTO) there are 5 million registered motorcycles nationwide, but based on the annual manufacturer sales report, a total of 14 million motorcycles have been sold in three years. These numbers need more verification but it clearly assumes that motorcycle user population has grown in millions. A survey was also conducted and states that 1 out of 3 family/household owns a motorcycle with 95% of them being utilized as primary transportation to their workplaces. The other 5% use their motorcycles for recreational purpose or leisure such as weekend rides, racing etc. These data would also show that 80-90% of riders/owners are registered voters as they belong to the working age population of 18 and above. The absolute majority of motorcycle riders, no doubt, are workers in the formal and informal sector of the economy.

Riders and the upcoming election

Riders if organized will become a big voting bloc with their families as multipliers. This is the reason why in many occasion, local and even national politicians who are aware of this capacity and reaching out power, summon the riders groups to be part of their ground campaign machinery.

After the elections, some elected politicians though will continue to support the riders in terms of assistance to common activities such as group rides, events, raffle prizes etc. But in terms of policy reforms and their plight against discriminatory policies/ordinances, they were left abandoned and ignored by the same politicians. These happened in some cities, municipalities and even at the national level. In Mandaluyong City an ordinance banning male back rides who is not of first degree consanguinity is still in effect despite the resistance of riders. The same policy was in fact proposed by a senator to be nationwide in scope but he was forced to back down due to strong resistance mounted by riders groups.

Moreover, proposals banning helmets and full face helmetswereproposed by politicians at different levels, with some gaining the support of some organized group of riders. An MC Crime Prevention act which has unsafe provision requiring the riders to have a bigger plate in front is now awaiting signature from the President. Riders are now asking the President to veto said bill that in the first place should not have reached the Palace had legislators were made aware of its hazards.

These are the conditions that compel us riders to unite and make our concerns an urgent agenda in these coming elections and thereafter.

The Riders Agenda

Riders will definitely participate and lend support for their preferred candidates. But the main purpose here is to advance their participation from merely being contented to receiving perks such as jerseys, food, gas budget etc., to ensuring that reforms, protecting their rights and safety will be included in the candidate’s platform. Riders must ensure not just the victory of these politicians but make them champions of riders’ rights and safety in the halls of senate, congress and in the local government units.

Listed below is the RIDER’S AGENDA that riders would subject national and local candidates to a Covenant or Cooperation Agreement:

0. 1.UPHOLD RIDER’S RIGHTS - No ordinance, bills or any policy shall be passed into law without consulting the riders. A RIDERS’ CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY must be organized where the riders can have a democratic space to air their concerns, views and suggestions before crafting a law or policy concerning the riding community.

0. 2.PROMOTE SAFETY FOR RIDERS and other road users;

• A.Assist and support riders in organizing extensive road safety education. 

• B.Ensure fast completion of road development and construction works to prevent accidents due unsafe road conditions.

• C.Uphold laws protecting riders such as mandatory helmet law. No such laws must be passed preventing the riders to wear safety gears such as face mask etc.

0. 3.FOR LEGISLATORS (Congress and Senate) – ENACT THE “MOTORCYCLE ROAD SAFETY ACT” to ensureproper regulation anduniform implementation nationwide.

0. 4.LEGALIZE AND REGULATE MOTORCYCLE TAXI –The rider’s right and equal opportunity to earn a living by motorcycles must be ensured, provided that it is regulated properly to ensure the safety and convenience of the passenger/commuter.

THE COVENANT

A covenant is deemed consummated once candidates and riders groups affix their signature in paper and witnessed by the riding community themselves. Said covenant will seal the deal and it will assume the level of a social contract that everyone must observe during the elections and beyond.

RIDERS ASSEMBLY FOR RIDERS AGENDA

An assembly of riders and various riders’ organization will be organized to discuss the rider’s agenda. At the assembly, all candidates will be invited to speak and express their willingness to uphold the agenda. This is also the event where the signing of the covenant will take place.

A follow up assembly will also be held in various regions and provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao during the campaign period. ###