MMDA: Proposed shared lane for bikes, motorcycles in EDSA not dangerous

The proposed sharing of a lane for bicycles and motorcycles is not dangerous, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Romando Artes said on Thursday.

In a public briefing, Artes was asked about the statement of sustainable transport advocates that the plan to convert the EDSA bike lane into a shared lane with motorcycles will compromise the safety of bikers.

“Hindi po ako nag-aagree dyan kasi kapag sinabi natin 'yan parang sinasabi niya na 'yung mga nagmomotorsiklo ay lahat sila ay kamote o walang disiplina,” Artes said.

(I don’t agree with that because it would mean that all motorcycle riders have no discipline.)

According to Artes, regulations can be discussed and put in place to ensure the safety of bikers on the proposed shared lane.

Earlier, Artes said the MMDA is already conducting a preliminary study on the possibility of making the EDSA bike lane a shared lane for bicycles and motorcycles.

He said the EDSA bicycle lane is underutilized.

“Hence, the MMDA conducted a preliminary study which will end within the week. We will have a stakeholders’ meeting on August 29 which will be attended by a group of cyclists and motorcycle riders,” he said.

Artes noted some challenges in implementing the plan such as the huge volume of  motorcycles plying EDSA. As of July 17, the MMDA said 165,000 motorcycles are traversing EDSA daily.

“We will consult our stakeholders before we finalize and make recommendations to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The DOTr has the final say on the matter because the bike lane is their project,” he said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News