PNA file photo
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it is considering to set up more motorcycle lanes on major roads in Metro Manila by next year to prevent motorcycle-related crashes.
In a media statement, MMDA deputy chairperson Frisco San Juan Jr. noted the success of establishing an exclusive motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue.
San Juan said the agency will look into the possibility of replicating the scheme as a traffic management solution on major thoroughfares in the metropolis.
"Ang motorcycle lane, pinag-aaralan natin, dahil naging matagumpay sa Commonwealth, ay maaari pong gawin na rin natin, pag-aralan ang pagsasagawa nito sa iba’t ibang major roads din po dito sa ating Kamaynilaan (We are studying the [establishment of] motorcycle lanes because of its success along Commonwealth Avenue. We could review and implement this scheme in various major roads in Metro Manila)," he said.
In October, the Metro Manila Council, composed of Metro Manila mayors, agreed in principle to establish an exclusive motorcycle lane on Commonwealth Avenue to avert road crashes.
In the MMDA Resolution No. 22-15, the right outermost lane of Commonwealth Avenue will be designated as an exclusive bicycle lane.
The second lane and third lane of the same avenue will be designated as exclusive for public utility vehicles (for jeeps, UV Express, buses) and motorcycle lanes, respectively.
All the other motor vehicles will use the remaining lanes of Commonwealth Avenue.
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez emphasized the importance of having exclusive lanes for riders because they are among the most exposed and at-risk sectors on the road.
Gutierrez cited Road Crash Statistics from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center showing that a total of 1,010 motorcycle-related crashes occurred on Commonwealth Avenue from January to August 2022.
The data also showed that nine out of the 1,010 cases were fatal, while 557 were non-fatal and 444 caused damage to properties. (PNA)
