“MMDA must know that motorcycle driving in a heavy downpour could be dangerous”
If we look at the sales figures for vehicles, we will find out that motorcycle and scooter sales are almost six times more than car sales.
For 2022, motorcycles sales topped 1.56 million and, for 2023, the projection is 2.607 which will break the all-time high of 2.5 million.
If we compare this to the projected car sales for 2023 of only 340,000 vehicles, we have to assume that motorcycles will continue to compete with cars for road space which will affect traffic management.
The move of MMDA to penalize motorcycle riders with a fine for using flyovers as shelters when it rains is therefore understandable.
But whether this is the best solution for MMDA to take is another matter.
We have to bear in mind that cycle riders have as much right to use the road as any car owner.
At first glance, the problem may be pretty straight forward.
Motorcycle riders who shelter under bridges and overpasses either to put on their rain wears then move on or wait for the rain to stop are lingering too long, posing danger to themselves and other motorists. But let us look at what is happening on the ground when it rains.
A short heavy downpour in the Metro area would be enough to paralyze traffic.
In such a situation, where could the riders realistically go especially when there is flash flooding which is a very common occurrence?
The problem may not be as simple as the MMDA is thinking. Metro Manila motorists are well aware of the problems that rain causes to the precarious traffic situation in the National Capital Region.
This is why when it rains, all motorists adjust to the situation.
This being the case, MMDA should be more tolerant and not appear to be targeting the motorcycle riders only because there are in fact also other problems that need attention when it rains.
It seems what the MMDA want riders to do is that if they have to stop at flyovers, they must not linger. They should just put their rain wears on and be on their way.
In the Metro area, it is a common sight for riders to use flyovers, bridges and the areas under the rail lines of MRT3, 2 and 1 to keep themselves dry or to put their rain wears on if they have before proceeding to their destinations.
This should not be a problem if everyone is using a car but since everyone cannot afford to buy cars, the motorcycle is like a halfway house.
People buy it before transitioning to cars.
It stands to reason that they should perhaps be given a little more consideration because rain is the worst enemy of all motorcycle riders.
What should be evident to the MMDA or the government as a whole is that a lot more studies should be made to address the problems brought about by the millions of motorcycles being added to our roads every year because of their impact to traffic management. The problem may seem so mundane but it is a serious issue that deserves looking into by the government.
In the case of the National Capital Region, riders use every available space they can find during a downpour in order to put on their raincoats, wait out the rain or try to remain dry.
Gasoline stations is another place where riders congregate.
If the riders are in EDSA the favorite place are the emergency areas under the MRT3 tracks and of course, the flyovers.
The bus stopovers in the malls like Mega Mall and SM north are also being used at times.
These tell us the government should do a lot more to help these people instead of simply being punitive.
They cannot just be treated the way MMDA wants it because there is also a legitimate public health issue involved.
Indeed, with MMDA bringing this issue to the fore, it has gotten itself a constructive problem that it has to find a better solution.
MMDA must know that motorcycle driving in a heavy downpour could be dangerous.
A lot of things can happen in a chaotic traffic situation if visibility is impaired.
One important consideration here is the prevention of serious traffic accidents from happening in order not to worsen the traffic situation.
This projected plan of the MMDA that will go into effect on August 1 is an example of the piece mill way of the government in tackling problems.
MMDA should view this as an opportunity to take the lead as far as the Metro area is concerned and come up with a comprehensive set of rules for motorcycle operation in the NCR.
This is because there are motorcycle riders who behave as if they are exempted from traffic laws. Proof of this is the high number of traffic deaths of motorcycle riders involved in traffic accidents.
But with regard to lingering too long when using flyovers as shelters when it rains, the MMDA should accompany its August 1 plan with ameliorating actions so as not to appear as cruel and uncaring to the plight of motorcycle riders.
In situations like this, it is sometimes better to be more constructive than simply being punitive.
