The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has opened the first motorcycle emergency lay-by on EDSA that’s meant to provide riders a safe place to stop when it’s raining. The said lay-by is located at the ground level of Quezon Avenue flyover on EDSA.
Riders now have a safe shelter when it's raining
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said motorcycle riders are allowed to stop at the emergency lay-by only when it’s raining. In this way, riders will not block the highway while waiting for the rain to stop.
“We understand the plight of motorcycle riders when they have to stop in the middle of the road while waiting for the rain to stop, it’s very risky for them because they might get into a road accident. At least with the emergency lay-by, they can take cover during heavy rains,” said Abalos.
Abalos explained that the emergency lay-by is only for rain shelter, and not intended to be a covered parking space. MMDA personnel will be assigned at the emergency lay-by to prohibit parking in the area. Motorcycle riders can stay in the lay-by for a maximum of 10 minutes once the rain has stopped.
“Motorcyclists would be allowed to stay only when it is raining. No parking shall be allowed or they shall receive violation ticket for illegal parking,” noted Abalos.
The MMDA is planning to put up more motorcycle lay-by soon
The MMDA plans to put up seven additional motorcycle emergency lay-bys along EDSA that will be situated under the following flyovers: GMA Kamuning, Kamias, Santolan/Crame, Ortigas, Buendia, Tramo (left turning), and Roxas Boulevard.
Aside from EDSA, the agency is looking to come up with motorcycle emergency lay-bys along C5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Alabang Road. Here are the locations of the planned lay-bys or motorcycle rain shelters.
C5 Road
Tandang Sora, Aurora Boulevard, C5-Libis, Pasig Boulevard, and C5 Kalayaan elevated U-turn along C5 Road
Roxas Boulevard
Roxas Jr. flyover, Buendia flyover, and Roxas Boulevard-EDSA flyover Seaside Drive
Alabang Road
Metro Manila Skyway (toll road) near SLEX South Station toll gate, and South Luzon Expressway (toll road) near Alabang Purple Hill
The MMDA also wants to put up motorcycle emergency lay-bys along Paranaque-Sucat Road, and Chapel Road once areas have been cleared of obstructions.
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