The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has once again announced that it is looking to implement the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue soon.
The latest update states that the MMDA is currently preparing to implement the said lane on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. The agency’s Acting Chairman Romando Artes met with lawmakers to iron out the implementation of the exclusive motorcycle lane.
Artes spoke with 1-Rider Partylist Representatives Bonifacio Bosita and Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez regarding the exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue. Although, the MMDA has not put in detail what has been exchanged during the meeting as of this writing. Previously, Bosita and Gutierrez showed their support for the MMDA’s exclusive motorcycle lane. The two solons believe that it will give safer journeys to motorcycle riders.
The exclusive motorcycle lane on Commonwealth Avenue has been approved in principle by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) last October 2022. The MMC, composed of Metro Manila mayors, said that the exclusive lane will help avert road accidents.
It was also reported that the MMDA will install appropriate traffic signs and apply proper lane markings along Commonwealth Avenue. Of note, the exclusive motorcycle lane will be from Elliptical Road to Doña Carmen Subdivision.
Last year, the MMDA and the Quezon City government started putting the necessary road markings for the exclusive lane. QC’s Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD) and the MMDA worked together in establishing road markings for the exclusive motorcycle lane and public utility vehicle (PUV) lane on Commonwealth Avenue.
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.
Research published by the International Association of Traffic and Safety Services revealed that having an exclusive motorcycle lane “has been proven a beneficial strategy.” The study said that the exclusive lane gives “safe (14% lower injury likelihood) and fast movement (increased travel speed approximately by 10 km/h) to motorcycle riders and reduce motorcycle accidents with other road users.”
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