The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has conducted a dry-run for the implementation of a dedicated lane for motorcycle riders along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
The aim is to familiarize the riders with the exclusive lane at the third lane from the sidewalk of that long stretch.
The measure could help reduce the number of fatal road crashes involving motorcycles and improve the traffic flow on what used to be known as the ‘killer road” in Metro Manila.
In the dry-run thaw as supposed to have ended on March 20, violators were stopped for reminders but no ticket violations were issued.
After the dry run, riders who violate will be fined P500.
Under MMDA Resolution 22-15, the right outermost lane of Commonwealth Avenue shall be designated as an exclusive bicycle lane.
The second lane and third lane of the same avenue will be designated as exclusive Public Utility Vehicles (for jeeps, UV Express, buses) and motorcycle lanes, respectively.
The remaining lanes of Commonwealth Avenue shall be utilized by all other motor vehicles.
Riders groups appreciated the measure as a good start for riders to have exclusive lanes.
Some photos however have shown some four-wheel vehicles making incursions into the riders’ exclusive lane.
The MMDA should also include penalties for four-wheel drivers that intrude on the riders’ lanes.
In Japan and China, and probably in other parts of the world, two and three-wheel vehicles of all kinds (electric or gas) are allotted to share some portion of the pedestrian lanes.
In a country where there are fewer and fewer roads to be shared, the Philippines allotted a small piece for bicycle riders on inner roads.
This was especially done at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when public commute was not permitted.
As the situation slowly goes back to normal, the special bike lane remains but bike users are slowly decreasing in numbers.
It should be a smart decision to allow that lane for motorcycle and bike riders to share.
An exclusive lane where four-wheel should not be allowed, except in designated stop signs for public utility vehicles.
Stakeholders in the transport sector should not stop finding ways to protect all road users—and not just put the blame on the small numbers of “kamote” riders.