Cyclists, Helmets On in Quezon City to Avoid Getting Fined

Don't forget to wear a helmet if you're planning to travel by bicycle in Quezon City. Starting Thursday, violators of the no helmet, no ride ordinance will be fined.

Last month, Mayor Joy Belmonte approved the regulation that made helmet-wearing mandatory for bicycle riders. The Department of Public Order and Safety was tasked to fine on those who will be caught biking without the safety gear.

To prepare bikers before enforcement, the city government recently distributed free helmets to those who can't afford one. Fines were also reduced to P300 (from P1,000), P500 (P3,000), and P1,000 (P5,000) for the first, second, and third offense, respectively.

"Ayaw nating maging dagdag na pabigat ang patakarang ito sa mahihirap nating kababayan na nagbibisikleta na lang papunta sa trabaho para makatipid sa pamasahe (We don't want the ordinance to add to the burden of our countrymen who bike to work to save on fare)," said Belmonte.