The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will now allow motorcycles to use the leftmost lane of Edsa and C5 during rush hours aside from the existing motorbike lanes.
Motorcycle riders will then be allowed two lanes to now include the leftmost lane along Edsa and C-5 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the MMDA said in a statement on Thursday.
READ: Motorcycle lanes sa Edsa at C5 dalawa na
MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos made the decision after a consultation on Wednesday night with MMDA enforcers and other officers of various national motorcycle groups.
“The decision to allow motorcycle riders only in Edsa and C-5 the leftmost lane in addition to the current motorcycle lane is to ensure their safety as well of other motorists. It is practically unsafe to stay on one lane in these thoroughfares especially during heavy traffic,” Orbos was quoted as saying.
READ: MMDA to riders: Stay on motorcycle lanes
Motorcycle riders on Macapagal Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue, meanwhile, will continue to use the designated motorbike lanes at all times.
He also clarified that there is no directive from the MMDA to stop the apprehension of violators of the Motorcycle Lane Policy.
On the contrary, Orbos said that the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) has been intensifying the enforcement of different traffic programs including the Motorcycle Lane Policy, yellow lane and the closed-door policy for public utility buses along major thoroughfares in the metropolis.
“These are measures that will ensure discipline, help in traffic congestion and more importantly promote road safety,” he said. RAM