Not only does this behavior cause traffic obstruction, but it is also hazardous to the riders themselves and other motorists given that visibility is reduced during heavy rain.
To address this issue, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that beginning August 1, 2023, motorcyclists who will be caught temporarily sheltering under the aforementioned structures will be fined ₱500.
MMDA acting chair Romando Artes said in a press conference that they do sympathize with the plight of motorcycle riders, who are constantly exposed to the elements. But they are more concerned about the riders’ safety.
He added that when riders shelter under a footbridge, they would sometimes occupy several lanes and cause severe traffic jams.
“Maling sabihin na ang hakbang na ito ng MMDA ay diskriminasyon sa hanay ng mga motorcycle riders," Artes said in a Facebook post in response to criticism by 1-Rider Party-List Rep. Rodge Gutierrez.
[Translation: It's wrong to say that this step by the MMDA is a form of discrimination against motorcycle riders.]
"Hangad po ng aming ahensiya ang kaligtasan ng mga nagmomotorsiklo," he added. "Sa MMDA po, pangunahing layunin namin ang kaligtasan ng LAHAT ng motorista at kaayusan sa bawat lansangan na aming nasasakupan."
[Translation: It is our agency's desire to keep motorcyclists safe. In the MMDA, our primary purpose is to ensure the safety of ALL motorists and maintain order in all the streets under our jurisdiction.]
The MMDA is currently in the process of securing permission from selected gas stations where they could put up special tents for riders. In the meantime, Artes suggested that motorcyclists use designated lay-by areas.
Are you guilty of sheltering under footbridges when it's raining?
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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.
