The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)will conduct a one-week dry run for the newly designated motorcycle lanes along Edsa starting Feb. 14, meaning violators will not yet be fined during this period.
In a statement, MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said this trial period should give motorists enough time to get used to the new setup on the so-called “blue lanes.”
Instead of being issued traffic violation tickets, erring motorcyclists would be required to attend a 15-minute road safety seminar at designated areas such as Roxas Boulevard, Orense, White Plains, Timog Avenue and Quezon Avenue.
Those who complete the seminar will be given heart-shaped stickers bearing the MMDA logo and the phrases “Certified Motorcycle Riders” and “Disiplinado Ako [I’m disciplined].”
The Metro Manila Council, MMDA’s policymaking body, approved the designation of motorcycle lanes along Edsa last month. Similar lanes were set up earlier along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay and Parañaque City.
The fourth lane of Edsa from the right has been designated as motorcycle lanes. However, the MMDA said these lanes are nonexclusive, which means other private vehicles can still use them.
Motorcycle riders can only leave the lane when they are already less than 200 meters to their next turn or before making a U-turn.
Tolentino urged other motorists using Edsa to be extra cautious while on a motorcycle lane. “I am appealing to the private motorists using the motorcycle lanes to observe maximum tolerance for motorcycle riders to avoid any accident,” he said.