Bicycle Riders Get Free Helmets in QC, If They Can't Afford One

To ensure compliance among bicycle riders in Quezon City, the city government is distributing free helmets to those who can't afford one.

Mayor Joy Belmonte recently approved an ordinance  requiring bikers to wear helmets while passing through QC. The Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) will penalize violators based on the number offenses.

"Gagawin natin ito upang matulungan ang mga nagbibisikleta na hindi kayang bumili ng helmet upang hindi masakripisyo ang kanilang kaligtasan," she said.

(We will do this to help bike riders who can't afford to buy a helmet so as to not sacrifice safety.)

The city government recently gave away  220 helmets — of the initial 2,000 — last week.

Belmonte also assured bike riders that they would be given enough time to prepare before full enforcement. "While waiting for the final approval of the implementing rules and regulations, bicycle riders will just receive a reminder on the proper wearing of helmet."

First-time offenders will be fined P1,000, P3,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense. These can still be lowered following appeals by advocacy groups.