The author doing the proper handling and throttle control.

MANILA, Philippines — Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) in partnership with Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF), over the weekend formally launched the ‘Learn to Ride’ program held at LTO main office in Quezon City.

SPH president Satoshi Uchida said the motorcycle safety program was initiated to address the rising number of road crashes involving motorcycles in the country. “We are one with the government in creating a safer and more responsible driving environment through road courtesy and discipline.”

The course will acquaint riders with traffic laws, correct attire and riding posture, pre-riding inspections and first aid, and proper skills in handling a motorcycle.

LTO records show a total of 3.88 million registered motorcycles in the Philippines, 54 percent higher than last year. The LTO expects the number to double by next year.

LTO Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres said the rise of motorcycles as the vehicle of choice of Filipinos is attributed to its ease in operation, affordability, enjoyment, employment, cost effectiveness, and mobility in different traffic situations.

“With the Learn to Ride program, we will give motorcycle drivers free training and seminars on Saturdays and Sundays at the main LTO office,” she said.

The weekend course incorporates theoretical knowledge, alongside with actual demonstrations for a complete safety-riding program.

Members of media were given a short course on riding during the launching.  In the first day, Mel Aquino, SPH Safety Riding supervisor, taught the basics of riding which included the proper safety gears, basic control, handling, proper posture, starting the engine, throttle control, and start and stop exercises.

The lecture was followed by an actual training inside the LTO grounds using different Suzuki motorcycles. Together with other trained professionals, he demonstrated the many scenarios that riders encounter along the road.

He said that most motorcycle accidents are caused by human error, which involves over-speeding, drunk driving, and non-compliance to road signs. “The program provides whole two-day training to let them fully understand how to drive a motorcycle and learn the traffic laws in a Philippine setting,” he said.

Day two of the program focused on advanced lessons.  SPH instructors discussed the use of headlights and mirror, gear-shifting, and advanced riding techniques such as lean-ins/outs and with U-turns, figure of eight track, outer and inner slalom, and outer and inner circle.

The program certifies the skills level of a rider for application of a non-professional drivers license with the LTO. It qualifies graduates to skip the written and practical exams of the LTO.

By the end of the year, the Learn to Ride program is expected to graduate 600 trained riders, including trainors for future trainings. Suzuki will also provide instructors and personnel to guide, train and assist future motorcycle instructors of the LTO, alongside motorcycle units, handbooks and certificates of completion to be used on the implementation of the program.

SPH is wholly owned company of Suzuki Motor Company Ltd. of Japan known for manufacturing superior quality motorcycle models in the Philippines.

Suzuki takes pride in its motorcycle line-up for leisure, sport or business. The company is also the exclusive distributor of Suzuki automobiles and genuine spare parts here in the Philippines.