The proposal for the EDSA Bike Lane to be shared between bicycles and motorcycles has been met with a lot of resistance. Since the proposal was forwarded, both bicyclists and motorcycle riders expressed their opposition to the idea, and after the MMDA’s meeting with various stakeholders, the vote is in, and it is a resounding “NO”.
Safety concerns are the main factor for disagreement towards EDSA Bike Lane Sharing
The MMDA held a meeting with various groups and stakeholders that included the likes of the Move as One Coalition, Motorcycle Rights Organization, Motorcycle Philippines Federation, Angkas, Bikers for a Cause, and AltMobility PH, and all sides, thoughts, and suggestions were brought forward. We won’t even get to the nitty-gritty, and in a nutshell, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said it best: “Walang nag-agree”. No one agreed.
This meeting was not an end-all-be-all for the EDSA Bike Lane Sharing proposal, though, as Artes said that further studies will be conducted as to whether this disagreement may be “premature” or early, and if the proposal is feasible and safe enough to be implemented. More talks will be conducted before a foregone conclusion, and these will be done “individually”, according to Artes.
Among the reasons for the “No” votes were the safety of bicyclists who would use the EDSA Bike Lane. Motorcycles are bigger, heavier, and faster, and in the event that these motorized vehicles figure in an accident with a hapless “padyaker”, it won’t take much imagination to have an idea as to what can happen.
“Nagtanong kami sa mga ibang group at sa group namin, isa lang ang lumabas: Meron bang magkasama ang motorcycle lane at bicycle lane sa buong mundo? Wala, di ba? Talagang exclusive for bicycle lang. Hindi pwedeng pagsamahin. Bakit? [We asked our own group and others, only one sentiment came up: Are there any lanes in the world where motorcycles and bikes are in the same lane? None, right? There are only exclusive bicycle lanes. They can’t join. Why?] Because of safety,” said Atoy Sta. Cruz, director of Motorcycle Philippines Federation.
As to when the “individual” consultations and stakeholder meetings will take place, that is yet unknown, but judging on Atty. Artes’ words, it seems they are adamant about pursuing a clearer consensus for the EDSA Bike Lane Sharing proposal. For now, what motorists/motorcyclists need to know is that if they violate the exclusive EDSA Bike Lane, they will be apprehended and slapped with a fine.
What are your thoughts on the proposal? If you were to be asked, would you say yay or nay?
NO CYCLISTS ON EDSA OR EXPRESSWAYS. Accident prone.