Why not promote Motorcycling?

27

April

In these trying times where gas prices seem to jump up with frightening regularity, it’s really a wonder why the government has not taken a more pro-active stance in promoting the riding of Motorcycles as an alternative mode of transport.

It’s a well known fact that riding motorcycles is a lot cheaper than bringing a car, and is now a whole lot cheaper than taking public transport. There are institutions in place to handle rider education and safety. The Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF) has enough motorcycle and motorcycle rider statistics to smother everyone in congress.

Even the manufacturers have noticed this. All major manufacturers have come up with high quality low cost motorcycles that are specifically targeted at the personal transport segment. So what’s up? Heck, they’re even calling/generalizing us as “criminals” now. Why aren’t we seeing any motorcycle related solution to this crisis from the government?

You tell me. I would love to see the manufacturers force all the members of congress to use a motorcycle for one day and see with their own eyes and experience with their own bodies what we have to deal with day in and day out. Maybe then they’ll start cooking something up, even if it was just meant to save their own derriere.

10 Responses to “Why not promote Motorcycling?”

I ride my motorcycle each day regardless of the weather here in Washington State USA. We have four season here Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Most of the rider here only ride when the weather warms up which is during Summer time. For me with the rising cost of fuel it just make sense to use a motorcycle. I get at least 70 miles to a gallon compare to 30 mpg if I use my car instead. In addition to saving money on gas riding my motorcycle also cuts down my commuting time from 1hr and 45minutes to just 1 hr flat.

Art B

Government to promote motorcycling? Sure, a few officials have done so recently like Sen. Pimentel but I doubt many would follow.

Why? Well… riding a bike is “too dangerous, used by low-lives, criminals or poor people who can’t afford (to buy a cage)”. “It’s too bloody hot my barong, my amerikana, my make-up will be ruined”. You know… all the mythical and superficial stuff supercede fact and practicality.

We have many intelligent and passionate people here in MCP. Who else is better equipped and committed to help enlighten our people, our government?

Art,
Welcome to MCP, that’s why it’s makes double sense to ride here since we have riding weather the whole year round. A few sprinklings of typhoons and storms but on the whole 80% of the year is pure sunshine. Specially with the infrastructure we have in Metro Manila where streets are just to small to accomodate the volume of vehicles. And I don’t have to mention the savings on time and fuel.

Blitz,
I honestly believe the community is busting it’s chops trying to promote rider safety and the safety of the lifestyle in general. There will always be a few bad eggs to spoil the fun, but that shouldn’t stop us. Government has to step to the plate and deliver for us, I know it’s a long shot but hey, stranger things have happened.

I agree with Blitz. Until now, there are many reasons why the government doesn’t concentrate in having a perfect line-up of motorcycle by-laws. Simply put - EXTRAVAGANCE. which came from our pockets. Can’t wait for the latest news from Disneyland…

bottom line, I ride because it saves me TIME and MONEY, not to mention the FUN factor. I reserve the car for the weekends with the whole family. I guess some people are not born riders, I might be wrong though… some coworkers are beginning to see the light!

same with you jon. i think we should promote mc now more than ever. imagine how much fuel we can save by riding mc instead of a cage. not to mention, the traffic and pollution would be much lesser. i’d like to see that happen and be a part of the mc “revolution.”

I am sure that there are riders out there who works for tri-media (newspaper, radio and TV) who might want to share their time and resources to share to the Filipino people that riding a motorcycle is not just time and fuel saving but fun as well. It may not be necessarily comfortable but it is enjoyable. Instead of waiting for the government to endorse/encourage the use of motorcycle, we should do the initiatives by ourselves. Another suggestion is for MCPF to meet with motorcycle manufacturers and encourage them to make advertising that would promote safe driving to change the bad image of motorcycling.

I had two cars before. When I felt the ever rising price of fuel in the market, my wife and I decided to sell one of the cars and buy a motorcycle. It did us good. Now I enjoy going places without even having to worry about traffic and time. The car is used mainly for family trips and for a more formal occassion. I saw the light, why can’t the government see it? Well, maybe they are blinded by Jose Rizal, Ninoy Aquino and other heroes printed on…what do you call that???? brive ba ‘yon? hhhmmm teka, baka donations…hahahahaha

Here might be some factors:

1. Recklessness of some motorcyclists. Timing is abit off as of the moment.
2. The undeniable dangers of motorcycling. Novive or expert riders are still exposed on same unavoidable risks.
3. Critisms over improper budget allocation. It’s just the same as those executive branch (Serbisyo Muna - “Patubig Projects”) commercials.
4. Unfair industry intervention. Other industries (food, drugs, etc.) might ask for equivalent favor.

Should the government or MCP intervene? I believe its best to just let things take its course. If people want a motorcycle they’d find ways to get one, after all motorcycles are currently at the height of its “visiblity” (if not popularity) on Philippine roads.

Just my thoughts,

Gary

Very impressive blog. Not everyone has to totally agree, but I certainly do. I will add your url to my favorites.I will spread the good word.

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