Motorcycles allowed on innermost lane during rush hour

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has re-intensified its enforcement of the motorcycle lane policy on the four major roadways of Metro Manila: EDSA, C-5, Commonwealth Avenue and Macapagal Avenue.

The Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF), together with the MMDA will be on the lookout for motorcycle and scooter riders straying from the blue motorcycle lane while traversing the abovementioned roads.

Besides the already marked fourth lane (from the sidewalk), the MMDA will allow motorcycles to overtake on the leftmost lane of EDSA and C-5 during rush hours. Use of the 5th or innermost lane for overtaking is allowed along EDSA and C-5 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to an official MMDA statement. Cars are still allowed to use and share the motorcycle lanes.

If caught outside the designated motorcycle lanes, riders face a P500 fine. They are only allowed outside the lane when making a turn, provided the appropriate signals are used and they move one lane at a time.

The agency will also conduct a two-day dry run for the implementation of motorcycle lanes or blue lanes along EDSA on November 20-21. Stricter enforcement will be implemented on the following day, November 22. Violators will be apprehended via the no contact apprehension system to avoid obstructions. 

Aside from proper lane usage, enforcers will also be flagging down motorcycles without side mirrors and signal lights.

The MMDA advised riders passing these roads to wear the proper gear —helmets, gloves, pants and shoes — based on existing regulations and ordinances, and switch on their headlights as required even at daytime.

Enforcement of the motorcycle lane started early this week, on Nov. 11, 2017. MMDA cited the growing involvement of motorcycles in daily vehicle accidents, with 30 out of the daily average of 265 vehicular accidents being motorcycle-related. The Road Crash Statistical Report said a total of 7,033 motorcycle accidents were recorded from January to April in Metro Manila.