Safety priorities vary widely across the globe. While many agree that wearing full motorcycle gear is crucial for rider safety, in some regions, such as Bacolod City in the Philippines, concerns of public security take precedence over individual safety measures. Recent events have led to a controversial ban on full-face motorcycle helmets in the city.
Following an unsettling incident involving a helmet-wearing individual allegedly linked to a grenade attack, the authorities swiftly implemented Executive Order 86. This order restricts the use of full-face helmets within the city limits and introduces a speed limit for motorcycles in an effort to improve safety and security.
It is important to note that despite the ban on full-face helmets, open-face helmets are still encouraged for use. The government's decision seems to stem from a "one bad apple spoils the bunch" mentality, where the actions of a few individuals have cast a shadow over the entire motorcycling community in the region.
In environments like Bacolod City, where tensions run high due to criminal activities involving motorcycles, protective measures, although controversial, are sometimes deemed necessary. While blanket bans may not completely eliminate threats, they serve as a visible response to reassure the public and deter potential wrongdoers.
The delicate balance between individual freedoms and public safety underscores the complexities faced by policymakers in addressing security concerns in such environments.
Source: The Manila Times