In an effort to prioritize the safety of cyclists and maintain traffic order along Edsa, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to enforce penalties for motorcycle riders who disregard traffic signs and venture into bicycle lanes, beginning August 21. Motorcyclists caught using the bike lanes will face a P1,000 fine.
The decision comes after careful observation of traffic conditions on Edsa, where the MMDA noticed a rising trend of motorcycle riders infringing upon the designated bicycle lanes, thereby obstructing the path for cyclists.
The MMDA, in a public reminder on Sunday, emphasized that the bicycle lanes are exclusively intended for cyclists and not meant to serve as “fast lanes” for motorcycles.
Simultaneously, the San Juan City local government has taken steps to address congestion concerns along Ortigas Avenue. They have removed the previously installed bollards, acting upon the advice of the MMDA, which suggested that these barriers were contributing to traffic congestion and reduced road capacity.
During the pandemic, the city government had introduced bollards—short posts that act as barriers—to support the public’s demand for safer and more efficient transportation alternatives. However, as normalcy gradually returns, the presence of bollards was found to exacerbate traffic congestion.
In light of this, the San Juan city government plans to replace the bollards with cat’s eye markers to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. In a letter to San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, MMDA acting chair Romando Artes pointed out that the physical delineators had caused congestion and road capacity reduction on Ortigas Avenue.
Artes also noted that these physical delineators presented maintenance challenges, blocked driveways, and hindered emergency response efforts. To address these concerns, the MMDA has proposed implementing a shared lane configuration for the bike lane, particularly in narrow road sections. This step aims to promote harmony among different road users while ensuring safety and efficient traffic flow on Edsa.
