MMDA warns motorists vs using bike lanes, 30 violators nabbed on first day of implementation
At least 30 motorcycle riders were apprehended in various parts of EDSA as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has stepped up the campaign to ensure that motor vehicles would not encroach on the bicycle lanes.
MMDA chairman Don Artes said the strict implementation of the policy to have bicycle lanes free from motor vehicles started on Monday, Aug. 21.
But the 30 motorcycle riders who were apprehended on the first day of its implementation were spared from paying P1,000 fine as they were merely warned.
MMDA officials said only a few motorcycle riders were apprehended from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday as Aug. 21 is a non-working holiday.
But they said they expect more apprehensions starting Tuesday, Aug. 22, when workers start to report for work.
So this early, Artes warned motorcycle riders and private vehicles to refrain from using the bicycle lanes in both southbound and northbound lanes of EDSA.
“Bicycle lanes are for cyclists, not for motorcycle riders. Disregarding this rule is a violation which has a P1,000 penalty,” said Artes.
Health and road safety advocates have been pushing for the designation of bicycle lanes in all roads, especially in Metro Manila and other urban areas.
Bicycles as a means of transportation became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic when strict health protocols were implemented in the public transport system.
However, the use of bicycle lanes became dangerous for riders as motorists, especially motorcycle riders, would use them to avoid traffic congestion.
In some instances, bicycle lanes are used as parking space for erring motorists.