Quezon City District 2 Councilor Winnie Castelo is urging authorities to put up covered motorcycle lay-by areas along major roads in Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila.
His appeal is contained in a resolution he introduced in the city council and is addressed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Castelo added that the lay-by he is proposing is similar to the emergency bays along Edsa and other major roads the MMDA has put.
“One of the most unsafe times to drive a motor vehicle, especially a motorcycle, is when it rains. Even a drizzle or ambon can create dangerous road conditions for motorists,” Castelo said.
He said driving or riding a motorcycle in rainy weather poses risk to the health and even life of riders and pedestrians.
It is not uncommon to see accidents involving motorbikes during such weather, he said.
“With the motorcycle lay-by, riders can take cover when it rains. This will lessen the risk of road accidents and health hazards for motorbike riders going to work, doing delivery service or going to stores to buy household essentials,” Castelo stressed.
He pointed out that due to its affordability, the motorcycle is the means of transportation of choice of millions of workers, middle-class employers and self-employed individuals, many of whom are engaged in delivery service, which has grown significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that the lay-by he is proposing is similar to the emergency bays along Edsa and other major roads the MMDA has put up for public and private vehicles that get stalled or encounter trouble.
