MMDA's Motorcycle Riding Academy coaches get training

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started the training and refresher courses for trainers who will serve at the Motorcycle Riding Academy that the agency is putting up.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said the training of the coaches is to ensure capability and proficiency of personnel in the academy in preparation for Motorcycle Riding Academy, which in turn, will offer free classes.

“We hope to further improve road safety through the Motorcycle Riding Academy, especially among our motorcyclists, who are particularly vulnerable to accidents on the road," Artes said.

Conducting the training for the coaches at the Clark International Speedway is Watanabe Riding Development Head Coach Dashi Watanabe, who volunteered to do so.

"The trainers' training is in support of the MMDA's Motorcycle Riding Academy. I believe that educating motorcycle riders is important in the prevention of road traffic crashes. Knowing how to drive a motorcycle is not enough. Riders should have the proper knowledge on the rules, operation, safety gear, risks of riding, discipline, defensive driving, among others," Watanabe said.

In addition, Watanabe urged riders to take advantage of the free training that will give a refresher course on traffic rules and regulations, traffic discipline and safety, and basic riding skills training, among others.

Meanwhile, Assistant General Manager for Operations Atty. Victor Pablo Trinidad shared that the training, done in batches of 10 personnel, is focused on preparations on how to ride their motorcycle, wear proper safety gear, pointers on safety, and drills and techniques that the trainers could teach the riders.”

“Aside from providing riders with formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding, the Academy will also provide basic emergency response training for the motorcycle riders,” he explained.

A motorcycle safety training course module is being formulated that would give both beginners and experienced riders proper training and basic knowledge such as different types, characteristics, basic parts, and basic control and operation of motorcycles; various road safety laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the operation of motorcycles; necessary driving skills on how to avoid hazardous situations; and an understanding of risk awareness and risk taking.

Under the project, the training session will include classroom-type lectures and actual motorcycle-riding simulation exercises.

The training will be open to all interested participants for free, and they will be given certificates upon completion of lectures, practical application, and the basic emergency response course.

The Riding Academy is being set up at a vacant property of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) along Julia Vargas Avenue, corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

The Motorcycle Riding Academy is the result of the agency’s Traffic Summit in 2022 where the need for capacity building for motorcycle road users to conduct road safety and traffic related policies and basic life support training were highlighted during the multi-stakeholder consultations.

Photos from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

Also read:

MMDA to put up moto lanes along Commonwealth Avenue

MMDA to boost enforcers' visibility along NCR roads

Metro Mayors to Add More Motorcycle Lanes, Amend Light Truck Ban, Enforce No Contact Apprehension