By Beatrice Puente
(August 22, 2023) – Motorcycles and other vehicles using bicycle lanes will face penalties, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday, citing the need to implement laws and other regulations to ensure public compliance.
MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said they will begin in EDSA but the policy will be enforced in all areas within their jurisdiction. For now, he said MMDA personnel will warn erring motorcycle riders before officially issuing violation tickets.
“Tatlong taon na mahigit ‘yan (polisiya). It’s just that, ngayon, walang habas ‘yung violation ng polisiya na ‘yan dahil siguro wala kaming NCAP (no contact apprehension policy),” said Artes on Ted Failon and DJ Chacha sa Radyo 5.
Last Sunday, the MMDA announced on Facebook the start of apprehending motorcycles on bike lanes, noting that this act constitutes disregarding traffic signs. It comes with a fine of P1,000. Based on its own monitoring, the MMDA said many motorcycle riders use bicycle lanes as if these were “fast lanes.” The MMDA reminded the motorcycle riders that bike lanes have a specific purpose.
“Ang bicycle lane ay inilaan para sa cyclists o nagbibisikleta at hindi para sa motorcycle riders,” reminded the MMDA. “Napakaraming motorcycle riders and dumaraan sa bicycle lane. Dahil dito, hindi magamit ng mga nagbibisikleta ang lane na inilaan para sa kanila.”
Netizens had mixed reactions about the move to penalize motorcycle riders who use bicycle lanes. Others also raised questions to seek clarification about the policy.
super good news para sa son Kong biker… ❤️
— jennifer velez (@jenvelez4564) August 21, 2023
Wala naman dadaan ng bike lane kung maayos ang traffic sa edsa di yung parking lot
— Bonethags_24 (@Bonethags2) August 20, 2023
Road sharing is more applicable. It will come up with road Congestion.
— jermell sevilla (@jermellsevilla) August 20, 2023
Pag ang mga sasakyan b dadaan s motorcycle lane huhulihin dn po ninyo?
— TIRSO V. LAGASCA (@lagasca_v) August 20, 2023
Sana all at maipatupad Sana Yan…
— jonathan mamaril (@jonathanmamar12) August 21, 2023
Artes said they are also studying if bicycle lanes can become shared lanes to lessen the traffic in EDSA. He added that they are exploring the creation of an elevated walkway and bikeway from Guadalupe to Cubao.
Last week, San Juan already removed the bollards along bike lanes in portions of Ortigas Avenue within its jurisdiction, citing the congestion on the road. It was based on the recommendation made by the MMDA.
However, some advocacy organizations like AltMobility PH did not welcome the move because it might put bicycle riders in danger.
“We are extremely disappointed at the decision of Mayor (Francis) Zamora to compromise the safety of bikers over the welfare of motor vehicles,” wrote Ira Cruz on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It’s tragic when (the) government opts for a myopic traffic management approach (and) disregards safety.”
Artes assured that they will consult different groups before concluding the study on possibly sharing bike lanes with other motor vehicles.
“We will consult our stakeholders before we finalize and make recommendations to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The DOTr has the final say on the matter because the bike lane is their project,” said Artes in a separate statement.
(PM)
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