Authorities in Cebu City and the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) have renewed safety warnings on kite flying following a spike in road-related incidents linked to loose kite strings.
The Cebu City Government raised concern after multiple kite-related incidents were reported in areas such as Pasil, Duljo, and Sawang Calero, describing the cases as a recurring safety risk rather than isolated events.
Mayor Nestor Archival, in a public advisory, urged residents to limit kite string lengths and avoid flying kites near roads.
He warned that snapped or drifting strings can endanger motorists, particularly motorcycle riders.
“This is dangerous if the string snaps and crosses the road,” Archival said.
Motorists were also advised to slow down and stay alert when passing areas where kite flying is common, as strings may unexpectedly stretch across road lanes.
The Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) separately reiterated that kite flying is strictly prohibited along the 8.9-kilometer expressway due to safety risks.
CCLEC said kite strings and airborne debris can interfere with vehicles and compromise road safety.
The operator also warned that even if kites are not flown on the expressway itself, strong winds can carry them from nearby communities onto the roadway.
“Even if kites are not flown on the expressway itself, if they are nearby, winds can still carry them onto the road,” CCLEC said.
In response to increased kite flying activity during the dry season, CCLEC has intensified patrols in areas near residential zones and deployed additional personnel for monitoring and incident response. It also continues coordination with barangay officials to strengthen public awareness.
Authorities issued a set of safety reminders, including avoiding kite flying near roads and expressways, keeping strings away from vehicles, staying clear of power lines, avoiding metal or glass-coated strings, and using only open areas for flying kites.
Officials stressed that even minor lapses can lead to serious accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.
Kite flying remains a common activity during the dry season in urban and coastal communities, but Cebu officials said safety must take priority as road incidents continue to be reported.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the mayor said. (LLP)
Photo by Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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