WITH Cebu’s worsening traffic, especially along N. Bacalso Ave., more people are buying motorcycles.

Nathaniel Yburan, credit sales representative of Honda, said that there is a change in the growth of their sales since the traffic on N. Bacalso Ave. became heavier.

“Nisaka gyud among sales 30 to 40 percent (Our sales increased 30 to 40 percent),” Yburan said.

He also noted that riding a motorcycle means the commuter can avoid the traffic and the passenger can reach his or her destination faster than riding a four-wheeled vehicle.

Chino Castañares, a student of a university in the downtown area, used to spend almost two hours traveling from Bulacao to his school, riding a jeepney. But now that he is using his own motorcycle, he spends 20 to 30 minutes traveling.

“Grabe kaayo og tabang ang motor kay dali maabot sa padulngan, nya hayahay ra. Dili init compared sa jeep (The motorcycle is a big help because I reach my destination right away. And it’s not as hot as riding a jeepney),” Castañares said.

Bryan Albura, also a motorcycle owner, said that it is more convenient to ride a motorcycle.

“Better mag-motor kay makalusot-lusot ra sa traffic,” said Albura.

Yburan said that with the problem of traffic in the city, motorcycle dealers have taken advantage to the problem of traffic in the city, especially on N. Bacalso Ave.

The heavy traffic on N. Bacalso Ave. is due to the closure of a portion of the road as the construction of the underpass project in Mambaling entered its fourth phase last week. (JERRA MAE LIBREA, USJ-R INTERN)