The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to establish at least 14 motorcycle lay-bys under flyovers located along Epifanio de los Santos (EDSA) Ave., Circumferential Road – 5 (C-5 Road), and Commonwealth Ave. to protect motorcycle riders during heavy downpours.
The project is expected to be opened to the public in July.
On Friday, the MMDA inspected one of the proposed motorcycle lay-bys situated at the ground level of the Quezon Ave. flyover in Quezon City to ensure its readiness.
The emergency lay-by has allocated spaces for motorcycles and bicycles with designated entrance and exit signs.
“The establishment of emergency lay-bys along major thoroughfares aims to provide temporary shelter for motorcycle riders during rainfall,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez wrote a letter to the agency last week, asking for the status of motorcycle rain shelters as promised by the MMDA.
“The data requested would aid us in determining the required legislation to assist the MMDA and local government units regarding the traffic situation in our country”, said Gutierrez, in his letter dated May 21.
Motorcycle taxi ride-hailing service Angkas will donate 10 bicycle repair shops equipped with basic repair and vulcanizing tools.
MMDA personnel have been trained to assist motorcycle riders and cyclists in need of road emergency assistance.
Once the lay-bys and repair shops become available in July, the MMDA chief appealed to riders and cyclists to be responsible and return all repair tools after use.
The MMDA had penalized motorcycle riders using footbridges and flyovers as shelters during heavy downpours last year, stating that the riders seeking shelter under flyovers are dangerous not only to themselves but to other motorists as well.
MMDA officials said they understand the plight of motorcycle riders when they have to stop in the middle of the road while waiting for the rain to stop.
But they explained that seeking cover from the rain underneath the flyovers may endanger the riders from being hit by other vehicles and also cause traffic congestion.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “MMDA to install lay-bys to protect riders during rainy season”.
