CEBU CITY – Keep your cool and respect bike lanes.
The regional director of the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) issued this advice to motorists in reaction to the road rage incident that happened in Quezon City early this month.
Glen Galario said bike lanes should be cleared for its intended users to avoid accidents.
There are times that accidents cannot be avoided but it should be resolved peacefully, added Galario.
"When we drive, we should keep our temper in check. If there were some lapses on someone’s part, it can be threshed out,” said Galario.
In Cebu City, the LTO-7 is strictly enforcing bike lanes except for areas that were affected by the construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
“We cannot fully implement the bike lanes because there is ongoing construction and the road is smaller. But in other areas not affected by the construction, we will strictly implement the bike lanes," Galario said in Cebuano.
A motorist caught violating the bike lanes will be fined P4,000, Galario said.
“If possible, let us avoid parking our vehicles on the bike lane because if our enforcers see this, then you will be fined,” Galario said.
Galario said the LTO-7 added 60 deputized agents who will be visible in major streets in Central Visayas especially in Metro Cebu to ensure road safety and worthiness of public and private vehicles.
The LTO-7 has 141 deputized agents who will be strict in checking even the car tires, condition of signal lights, wearing of seatbelts, and overloading, Galario said.