Sub-400cc bikes allowed on Southbound outer lane of Osmena

Southbound allowed, northbound not allowed

Southbound sub-400cc motorcycles can take the outer lane of Osmena. This is what is indicated on a traffic advisory sign raised along the area recently.

The new sign reads: “EFFECTIVE JULY 22, 2019 MOTORCYCLE BELOW 400CC NOT ALLOWED AT SLEX (SKYWAY AT-GRADE) TAKE OUTERMOST LANE TO LAWTON AVENUE”

Skyway at-grade (ground level) is the portion of Osmena Highway from Sales Interchange up to Magallanes Interchange; and Magallanes Interchange up to Villamor on the other side.

Last July 5, MotoPinas.com published an article about the planned sub-400cc ban along the stretch of Osmena Highway from Sales Interchange in Pasay, up to Magallanes Interchange in Makati (and back) with its possible alternative routes. Skyway O&M Corp. (SOMCO), which manages the South Luzon Expressway from Alabang to Magallanes, said the ban was ordered by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) because of the rising number of accidents involving small motorcycles.

What this means is that motorcycles below 400cc may still take Osmena Highway if coming from EDSA (rotonda), Makati and Manila. However, they are now restricted to the rightmost lane from Shell gasoline station up to the service road adjacent to the Skyway on ramp until Villamor.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the northbound side where sub-400cc motorcycles are fully restricted from passing. For northbound sub-400cc riders — coming from Alabang, Taguig and Paranaque headed to Makati and Manila — the management of Skyway O&M suggests taking Pasong Tamo Extension (Chino Roces Avenue) as an alternative route.

This ruling also raises the question: if the TRB and SOMCO are allowing small motorcycles on the southbond outer lane of Osmena Highway, isn't it possible to allow them on the outer lane of the northbound side?

Motorcycle riders of both big and small bikes have expressed opposition to this new policy of the SOMCO, and they are planning to stage a unity ride on July 21 to show their solidarity.