UPDATE: EDSA bike lane 'road-sharing' for motorcycles, bicycles now being considered -- MMDA
Gilbert Chao · Aug 22, 2023 03:09 PM
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PHOTO BY GILBERT CHAO (AUTOFUN PHILIPPINES).
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) shared its plans for the possible implementation of road sharing on the EDSA bike lane, a day after the motorcycle ban on the said lane was strictly enforced.
The MMDA started implementing the existing policy on the exclusivity of the bicycle lane more than three years ago. But countless motorcycle riders use it out of desperation, especially during rush hour traffic.
According to the latest data from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center, there are 165,000 motorcycles traversing EDSA daily as of July 17, 2023.
If these bikes aren’t allowed to filter through traffic jams smoothly, road congestion will likely become worse. Hence, the previous “considerate” implementation of bike lane exclusivity since the suspension of the No Contact Apprehension Policy.
"We have observed that many motorcycle riders use the bicycle lanes on EDSA since the suspension of the no contact apprehension policy," said MMDA acting chair Romando Artes during a press briefing held at the agency's head office in Pasig City.
"Additionally, we have been receiving complaints from the bicycle groups stating that they could not use the dedicated lane for them," he added.
'Underutilized'
MMDA acting chair Romando Artes points out the usage of the EDSA bike lane during a press briefing. PHOTO FROM MMDA.
Artes said the agency is currently conducting a preliminary study focusing on the possibility of making it a shared lane for bicycles and motorcycles.
“The EDSA bicycle lane is underutilized," he said. "Hence, the MMDA conducted a preliminary study which will end within the week. We will have a stakeholders’ meeting on August 29 which will be attended by a group of cyclists and motorcycle riders."
Artes said following its consultations, the MMDA will make recommendations to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“The DOTr has the final say on the matter because the bike lane is their project,” he said.
Stay off for now
PHOTO FROM MMDA.
Aside from road sharing, the MMDA is studying the possibility of creating an elevated walkway and bikeway on EDSA from Guadalupe to Cubao.
For now, let’s avoid using the bike lane even in the most desperate situations, unless you are on a bicycle. Violators will still be fined ₱1,000 for disregarding traffic signs.
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A moto-journo who spends most of his time on the saddle unless otherwise saddled with desk work. His curious nature and poor sense of direction often take him on unplanned adventures.
