Motorbike lane violators to undergo seminars

MANILA, Philippines - Motorcyclists who stray from designated motorcycle lanes along Commonwealth and Macapagal Avenues will be made to undergo a seminar on motorcycle riding safety, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

In a radio interview, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the weeklong dry run of its segregated motorcycle lanes scheme will start on Monday.

Tolentino said the fourth lane of the 12.5-kilometer Commonwealth Avenue and the rightmost lane of Macapagal Avenue have been designated as motorcycle lanes.

During the dry run, MMDA traffic enforcers will not issue traffic violation receipts, but erring motorcyclists will be flagged down and made to go an hour-long seminar that will be conducted on the road itself by expert riders from the MMDA.

After completing the seminar, stickers stating that the rider has completed the seminar will be attached by the MMDA on the motorcycle’s fuel tank.

Meanwhile, Tolentino said the assignment of a dedicated lane does not give motorcycle riders the license to break the 60-kilometer per hour speed limit imposed on the two highways.

The MMDA chief also said the motorcycle lane is not exclusive to motorcycles. “If the other lanes are full, other vehicles may use the motorcycle lanes. However, motorcycles are not allowed to leave their designated lane,” he said.

Tolentino said erring motorcycle riders who will be caught outside the segregated motorcycle lane will be made to pay a P500 fine after the dry run. The fine remains the same for subsequent offenses, the MMDA said.

Tolentino also reminded motorcycle drivers that they should get out of the motorcycle lane at least 100 meters before reaching a U-turn slot to prevent accidents. Tolentino said the entrance to the U-turn slots for motorcycles will be properly marked by the MMDA.

Meanwhile, Tolentino said the MMDA will also be re-implementing on Monday an MMDA resolution passed several years ago requiring motorcycle drivers to turn on their headlights even during the daytime to avoid accidents.