The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) inspected the proposed motorcycle lay-by at the ground level of Quezon Avenue flyover in Quezon City to ensure its readiness for riders seeking shelter during heavy downpours with the onset of the rainy season.
MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said the agency came up with a solution to address the plight of motorcycle riders in times of heavy rainfall when they have to stop in the middle of the road to wait out the downpour.
“The establishment of emergency lay-bys along major thoroughfares aims to provide temporary shelter for motorcycle riders during rainfall,” Artes said.
The MMDA chief also mentioned that 1-Rider Partylist Representative Rodge Gutierrez wrote a letter to the agency recently, 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,” Gutierrez said in his letter dated May
According to Artes, the agency targets to establish at least 14 motorcycle lay-bys under flyovers located along EDSA, C5 and Commonwealth. It is expected to be opened to the public in July.
The emergency lay-by has allocated spaces for motorcycles and bicycles with designated entrance and exit signs.
Bonifacio Bosita of 1-Rider Partylist, who is also present during the inspection, thanked the MMDA for heeding their request.
“Umaasa po tayo na ang mga kapatid nating riders ay makikipag-cooperate sa MMDA sa pamamagitan ng pagrespeto sa kanilang traffic enforcers at pagsunod sa batas-trapiko.”
“Kami po sa 1-Rider Partylist ay nagpapasalamat kay Chairman Artes ng MMDA. Dininig niya ang mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng mga riders. Umaasa po tayo na ang mga kapatid nating riders ay makikipag-cooperate sa MMDA sa pamamagitan ng pagrespeto sa kanilang traffic enforcers at pagsunod sa batas-trapiko,” Bosita stressed.
Motorcycle taxi ride-hailing service Angkas will donate 10 bicycle repair shops which will be equipped with basic repair and vulcanizing tools.
“We have trained MMDA personnel who will assist motorcycle riders and cyclists who need road emergency assistance.”
“We have trained MMDA personnel who will assist motorcycle riders and cyclists who need road emergency assistance,” he said.
Once the emergency lay-bys and bicycle repair shops become available in July, Artes appealed to riders and cyclists to be responsible and return all repair tools after use.
