Gov't approves Angkas passenger shield for moto back riders

MANILA: Angkas, the leading motorcycle ride-hailing platform in the Philippines, expressed its gratitude yesterday as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed his approval of the  “backpack-type” or “special suit” passenger shield for back-riding in motorcycles.

Angkas also acknowledged the rapid, decisive response to public transport safety by Secretary Vince Dizon, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Secretary Eduardo Año, the National Task Force (NTF), and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

Angkas said that this served as the conclusion of the long weeks of enhancing and testing the numerous passenger shield prototypes, ensuring the public in terms of the safety of its development.

The shield appears to be flexible upon impact and is rigid against low forces, especially during an accident. Still, the thin PP sheet is said to be able to handle strong impact without "sharding" or shattering.

The dulled, polished edges of the shield considerably lessen the possibility of slicing or cutting during a crash. Its back-swept flaps help enhance airflow for reduced drag and barrier distortion at speed.  Thin yet inflexible barriers allow unhindered passenger visibility as well.

Other features of the approved passenger shield include its compact size and light weight (at 1 kg) for prolonged utilization, ease of wearing and removal for regular sanitation, tapered lower third to hold the passenger legs, and passenger grips for lessened accidental counter-steering.

The backpack style also makes it convenient to use for various motorcycle types. It can be manufactured at low cost for easier access to most Filipinos. It also functions as an additional “safety net” to prevent COVID-19 transmission through the size and concave design of the shield.

Before the recent approval of the passenger shield, the design was initially approved by the government of Bohol.

Lorenzana, the chairman of the National Task Force on COVID-19, pointed out that back-riding is only permitted among live-in partners, common-law couples, and married couples.

Motorcycle back-riding among partners and couples has been permitted since July 10, given that a barrier is placed between the passenger and the rider. 

Angkas also looks forward to having a partnership with the IATF to further promote safety during the pandemic.

Photos from Angkas

Also read: Angkas proposes safe riding measures for moto taxis