Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando ‘Don’ Artes said on Monday that said he recommended a shared lane for bicycles and motorcycles.
In an interview during DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, he shared the MMDA office has been receiving complaints from bicycle groups that motorists are already occupying this supposedly exclusive bicycle lane.
With such concerns, Artes suggested shared lanes for bicycles and motorcycles.
"In fact, about a month ago, pinaaral ko na sa TEC kung pwede maging shared na lane itong mga bicycle lanes," he stated.
However, the MMDA chairman noted that the suggestion needed to be studied thoroughly as there will surely be complaints from the bicycle groups.
"One, aangal ang bicycle groups. Pangalawa, 100,000+ na motorsiklo ang dumadaan sa EDSA, kaya bang i-accommodate ang volume na 'yon diyan sa existing bicycle lanes," Artes said.
He reiterated that there should be a basis, data, and scientific studies before they take action.
"Yung mga ganoong challenges ay kailangang aralin bago gumawa ng rekomendasyon. Kasi at the end of the day, 'yan ay project ng DOTr. Sila ang magdedecide, hindi kami," Artes continued.
The MMDA chairman said that they need to balance motorists rights, clarifying that they are not turning their backs on their obligations to enforce the law.
"Kami ay rekomendasyon lamang, base sa aming pag-aaral," Artes said.
Meanwhile, MMDA announced on Sunday that it will start to fine motorists who are caught using the bicycle lane along EDSA.
