As a motorcycle rider, I’m sure that there are many of us who are always tempted to use the designated bicycle lane to ride our way out of a traffic jam. For others, they simply ignore the traffic signs and ride in the bicycle lane anyway.
While there are parts of the bicycle lane network that are shared lanes or non-exclusive for bicycle use (read our story Bicycle lane markings and what they mean), it doesn’t mean that motorcycles and other vehicles can muscle their way into the bicycle lane and endanger the life of a cyclist.
Just recently, a motorcycle rider’s Professional Driver’s License was revoked by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), after he was found violating multiple traffic laws as shown in a video that went viral on social media.
In the video, the motorcycle rider almost hit a cyclist after he tried to overtake the latter who was traversing along the designated bicycle lane in Quezon City, which resulted in a heated argument.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Road Sector immediately directed the LTO to identify and hold the motorcycle driver accountable for his misdemeanor.
Upon verification of the motorcycle’s information on its system, the LTO issued a Show Cause Order, directing the registered owner and the assigned driver at the time of the incident to appear at the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) for a hearing on June 24, 2022.
The motorcycle rider confirmed his identity as the driver at the time of the incident.
According to LTO, the motorcycle rider faces multiple counts of violations after having been found administratively liable for Reckless Driving and Obstruction of Traffic under Sec. 48 and Sec. 54 of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The LTO moved to revoke the rider’s Professional Driver’s License for being “an improper person to operate a motor vehicle” and pursuant to Sec. 27 of RA 4136. He was likewise directed to immediately transfer the ownership of the subject motorcycle under his name within 20 days pursuant to Sec 8 of RA 10883 upon receipt of the said Resolution.
Further, in a Resolution approved by Law Enforcement Service Acting Director, Atty. Clarence V. Guinto, by the authority of the Assistant Secretary, dated 08 July 2022, the LTO has imposed respective fines in the amount of Php 2,000 and Php 1,000 for the motorcycle rider’s violations.
Will you still disregard the bicycle lane and the cyclists that are using it?
