Sunday, March 02, 2008 Bike lanes in highways sought
A CEBU Province legislator is asking local and national traffic authorities to designate motorcycle lanes in highways due to rising motorcycle accidents.
Board Member Victor Maambong said the two-wheeled contraption has become a popular mode of transportation because of low maintenance and the low down payment required to own one.
“However, it is observed that not a few road accidents were set off or caused by daredevilish maneuvers of undisciplined motorcycle drivers, who crossed their way in and out of the traffic or drove their way against the traffic on the wrong side of the road,” read his proposed resolution.
Public transport
To address such problem, he said, there should be motorcycle lanes “to confine this contraption and help restore road order and safety.”
Section 7 of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, prohibits the use of a motorcycle as public transport, it being considered as a private motor vehicle.
This, however, did not prevent the proliferation of motorcycles, which could travel to places that other modes of transportation, like jeepneys, do not reach.
Helmets
In Cebu City, Ordinance 987 was instead passed to ensure that motorcycle drivers and their riders use crash helmets instead of inappropriate headgears.
Maambong said “the motorcycle lanes, which also serve as bicycle lanes, may just save other motorists from vying for road space with reckless Evel Knievel pretenders, thereby preventing occasions for accidents and unnecessary loss of lives and limbs.”
The resolution, co-authored by Board Member Agnes Magpale, will be tackled in tomorrow’s Provincial Board session. (GMD)
