- Kite flying near major roads to be investigated
A LAWMAKER wants to look into recreational activities in areas near major roads and highways, specifically kite-flying, after motorists reported getting ensnared by nylon lines.
During the 21st City Council regular session on Tuesday, April 28, Councilor Jessica Bonguyan urged responsible recreational activities, including kite-flying, especially where traffic regularly passes through.
Bonguyan said the Davao City Coastal Road is a major highway heavily used daily by motorists, motorcycle riders, public utility vehicles, and private commuters, and that vehicles along this road commonly travel at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
She said that at such speeds, even a minor obstruction can quickly escalate into a serious accident.
While Bonguyan recognized kite-flying is a culturally recognized recreational activity, when it is done dangerously near an active roadway, it becomes a real hazard to public safety.
“We urge our fellow Davaoeños to be mindful and responsible in engaging in recreational activities, especially in areas near major roadways. Freedom to enjoy leisure must always be balanced with responsibility to protect others,” she emphasized, noting the call is not to prohibit the activity but for awareness and responsibility.
The call came in the wake of a viral social media post by Facebook user “Pa Pi Blyke” about an incident where he sustained wounds to his neck when he got snared by a kite line while driving on the Davao City Coastal Road.
Bonguyan said another report also cited a separate rider who shared that both she and her husband experienced similar injuries.
“These accounts indicate that these are not isolated incidents, but recurring safety concerns that demand our attention,” the councilor said.
The Facebook user “Pa Pi Blyke” told TIMES in a Messenger interview that the incident happened around 3:35 p.m. on April 26 while he was riding on the coastal road.
He said he was not able to report since he had personal matters to attend to when the incident happened.
“Panawagan nku sa city government na e ban ang pagpalupad ug kite/tabanog near coastal road para ma prevent ang mga disgrasya na sa same nahitabo sa ako ug sa uban pa na nabiktima,” he said.
Bonguyan referred her speech to the committee on peace and public safety for an appropriate measure, which can include designating appropriate areas where kite-flying is allowed and regulated.
Pending the legislative measure, the public is advised to report similar incidents to the Davao City Reports Hotline.
