Let motorbike ban stay: jeep drivers

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GMI

By Rimaliza Opiña

GOVERNMENT offices and organized jeepney drivers here want the ban on private-owned motorcycles in the main streets to stay, finding them to be cause of air pollution.

But motorcycle riders said they are not, as they use fuel that does not emit harmful smoke.

Groups of opposing sentiments on the proposed repeal of Section 552 of City Ordinance 500- 1934 said their piece at a public hearing yesterday at the Baguio City Hall.

In contention at the public hearing was whether to allow back motorcycles and bicycles to traverse Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue, Harrison Road and General Luna Road, which under Section 552 are banned.

Traffic chief Edward Cutiyog, speaking at the public hearing, said the motorcycles would only congest these roads further and pollute the air in these areas some more.

But Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Regional Director Alfredo Mondiguing has proposed an option to the ban.

In a letter to Councilor Elmer Datuin, Mondiguing suggested that only four-stroke engine motorcycles be allowed, and that those with two-stroke engines be banned.

Four-stroke engine motorcycles, which are of newer models, emit less pollution than the much older two-stroke engine kind, Mondiguing said.

Datuin, chairman of the committee on laws, read Mondiguing's letter at the public hearing.

Datuin likewise read a letter from the city's Traffic, Transportation and Management Committee that called for strict enforcement of the ban.

The 71-year-old ordinance only allows government-owned motorcycles to pass these main streets for official trips, and motorcycles that deliver messages and newspapers.

The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Driver Association for Baguio-Benguet and La Union, through their president Perfecto Itliong, said they oppose the City Council's proposal.

At the public hearing, Itliong said they have observed that motorcycle riders are the ones disobeying traffic rules. He specified deliverymen of fast-food chains who "drive beyond the speed limit."

"Para silang lumilipad (It's like they're flying)," Itliong said.

He suggested that motorcycle riders be allowed to use the main streets at certain time only but not during rush hours.

But Gigi Daquis, president of the Pines Scooter Group, said the fuel used for two-stroke motorcycles does not emit harmful smoke. He said oil-manufacturing companies now use chemicals that help reduce air pollution.

He denied they are polluting the air.

He said allowing motorcycles to pass the central business district (CBD) decongests traffic because the space occupied by one car can fit at least four motorcycles.

The Firefly Brigade, a group of lady bikers also suggested that the city government designate bicycle lanes at the CBD.

Cathy Sta. Ana, the group's spokesperson, said 70 percent of urban pollution is caused by the emission of harmful smoke by motor vehicles, including motorcycles.

A bicycle, she said, does not emit smoke and is therefore non-pollutant.