The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering sharing the bike lane with motorcycle users along EDSA.
The MMDA is planning to share the bike lane to motorcyclists
The plans were mentioned during a press briefing for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. MMDA acting chairman Don Artes said a preliminary study is currently being conducted primarily to address the huge number of motorcycles plying EDSA from Quezon City to Pasay City.
It has been three years since the agency implemented the existing policy on the exclusive use of the bike lane.
“The EDSA bicycle lane is underutilized. Hence, the MMDA conducted a preliminary study, which will end within this week. We will have a stakeholders’ meeting on August 29, which will be attended by a group of cyclists and motorcycle riders,” said Artes.
According to the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center’s data as of July 17, there are 165,000 motorcycles traversing EDSA daily.
Considering the bike lane is not used as extensively, the agency is looking to open it to motorcycle users to help reduce traffic. The nationwide bike lane is a project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). As such, the MMDA will have to seek the DOTr’s approval to allow motorcyclists on its bike lane.
The bike could soon be plied by motorcyclists
By 2028, the DOTr is looking to expand the project to a total of 2,400 km nationwide. The expansion works are scheduled in nine regions including Davao City, Metro Cebu, Iloilo, and Laguna.
“We will consult our stakeholders before we finalize and make recommendations to the Department of Transportation. The DOTr has the final say on the matter because the bike lane is their project,” added Artes.
While the preliminary study is ongoing, motorcycle users who will disregard traffic signs will be fined Php 1,000. The agency’s Command Center inaugurated last month will keep an eye on erring motorists, using hundreds of CCTVs that monitor traffic in Metro Manila.
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