Can exclusive motorcycle lane be effective? [Poll of the Week]

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has extended the dry run period for the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue.

Exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue

The dry run period was initially slated to end by March 19, 2023 but the MMDA saw the need to extend it for another week to address the concerns raised by netizens. Motorcycle riders voiced their concerns about the uneven portions and potholes along the exclusive lane on Commonwealth Ave. This of course poses safety risks, especially for motorists onboard motorcycles. 

The uneven portions and potholes force motorcycle riders to steer away from their designated lane to avoid getting out of balance. Some riders commented that they have no choice but to stay out of the exclusive lane to prevent the risk of an accident. 

The DPWH is patching up uneven road surfaces along the exclusive motorcycle lane

It’s a good sign that the MMDA is open to such comments, which eventually led to the extension of the dry run period. After all, how can we expect riders to follow the exclusive motorcycle lane if the specific lane has harsh road surfaces and potholes? In fact, that could defeat the purpose of why the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Ave. is conceptualized in the first place. 

As a review, the exclusive motorcycle lane has been approved in the hopes of reducing road accidents along Commonwealth Ave.    

Based on the MMDA’s Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS), there were 1,685 motorcycle-related accidents in 2022 on Commonwealth Ave. From the said number, 13 cases were reported as fatal while 930 cases involved non-fatal injuries, and 743 cases resulted in damage to property.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes shared that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will work on repairing the uneven portions and potholes along the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Ave.

The dry run for the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue is extended

The MMDA has flagged down a total of 14,563 motorists violating the exclusive motorcycle lane as of March 20, 2023. From the said number, 3,373 were motorcycle riders while 11,190 were four-wheel vehicles.

The exclusive motorcycle lane stretches from Elliptical Road up to Doña Carmen and vice versa. 

According to MMDA Resolution No. 22-15, the outermost lane of Commonwealth Avenue (nearest to the sidewalk) is designated as the bicycle lane. The second lane is for PUVs while the third lane is the exclusive motorcycle lane. The other remaining lanes along Commonwealth Avenue are for other motor vehicles.   

Do you think that the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth will be effective? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.