Warning to motorcycle riders: Don’t drive on the wrong lane!

MANILA, Philippines – More than 900 motorcycle riders were apprehended on the first day that the Metro Manila Development Authority implemented its new motorcycle lane scheme.

The new traffic scheme, which started its dry run Monday, October 17, designates one lane of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City as exclusively for motorcycles.

Along Commonwealth Avenue, counting from the center island, the fourth outer lane should be for motorcycles. On Macapagal Boulevard, it’s the outermost lane.

These lanes, however, are not exclusive to motorcyclists; other vehicles — except trucks and buses — can still use the lane.

This week, apprehended drivers will only have to attend a 15-minute, on-the-spot seminar on basic motorcycle safety and will be briefed on the new scheme. Violators will also be given a sticker to signify compliance with the rules.

Starting Monday, October 24, when the scheme will be fully implemented, violators will be fined P500, according to the MMDA, besides being required to attend the seminar.

The new system aims to lessen the number of accidents involving motorcycles. Yves Gonzales, head of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office, said feedback from motorists has, so far, been positive.

He also said that motorcycle riders have appealed to drivers of other types of vehicles to follow the system for everyone’s benefit.

Gonzales added, the MMDA is studying other roads that can have designated motorcycle lanes, among them EDSA. – Rappler.com