MMDA Plans to Set Up 'Shared Lane' for Bicycles and Motorcycles Along EDSA

MANILA: Road sharing may soon be implemented on the bike lane along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), according to the plans revealed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes stated that the agency is undertaking an initial study concentrating on the possibility of setting up a shared lane for motorcycles and bicycles.

“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,” Artes said.

Artes acknowledged that there are some difficulties, such as the large number of motorcycles that travel along EDSA alone.

The MMDA Traffic Engineering Center's latest statistics show that as of July 17, there are 165,000 motorcycles traveling along EDSA per day.

“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,” Artes added.

The MMDA is also looking into the possibility of constructing an elevated walkway and bikeway on EDSA, from Guadalupe to Cubao.

Artes noted that the MMDA had implemented the current policy regarding the bicycle lane's exclusivity more than three years ago.

“We have observed that many motorcycle riders use the bicycle lanes on EDSA since the suspension of the no contact apprehension policy. Additionally, we have been receiving complaints from the bicycle groups stating that they could not use the dedicated lane for them. For now, we will only remind the motorcycle riders not to use the EDSA bicycle lane,” Artes stated.

Photo from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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