Fellow riders,

IMO, there is some truth in the familiar phrase "Size does matter". This goes for all vehicles be it motorcyles, cars, buses, taxis, jeepneys. What I mean is, lets face it, a scooter or small bikes dont belong in EDSA, that is, if you are one hell of a safety conscious rider. Definitely you will find yourself only being bullied by this importunate cage drivers and thus unnecessarily risking your safety. For one thing, being small makes it difficult for big vehicle drivers to take notice of you. Either you are at their side or trailing them at their backs. More over, the power of your small bike must also be consider. Please dont get me wrong. I have nothing against small bikes. Its just that if one is to protect oneself against these real dangerous situations one must at least be sizesable enough to be noticed by other drivers. In my experience in traveling on EDSA, one must adopt what mother nature has instilled in her creatures. "Survival of the fittest." To survive in the jungle, animals uses nature's gifts to them such as camoflage, stealth, cunning, speed, and what have you. Not to mention, the most effective instrument of the urban jungle game, BLUFF!! What I do is I drive my CB1000 which is big enough to be noticed, not to mention its loud imposing sound. Secondly I dress like a or similarly like a cop, but not exactly like a cop. Half shell helmet, blued maong jacket, blue pants, dark shades. Plus I have equipped my bike with a "wang wang" and a flasher/blinker. Equipped with these attributes, I noticed, these SOB drivers avoid getting close to me. One time I was being sandwhiched by two big buses and they were closing in on me. I switch on my wang wang and blinkers, rev out loud my engine,and in a second these SOB bus drives, separated ways as soon as they took noticed of me giving me a wide space enough for two cars!!!!! I also habitually rev my engine when i get close to cages while squirming into traffic. They usually give way. With all these tatics, even if EDSA is jammed all the way from magallanes to SM megamall, I dont have problems. In fact I have often timed how long it takes for me to travers EDSA Pasay MRT to UP Balara Katipunan to pick up my wife after work. On the average, traffic jam as a given factor, 30 minutes or less!

Learn from nature!!! That's the only way to protect yourselves and thus survive!!!! :wave: ( But of course like nature too, its not 100% fool proof!)

Fellow riders,

IMO, there is some truth in the familiar phrase "Size does matter". This goes for all vehicles be it motorcyles, cars, buses, taxis, jeepneys. What I mean is, lets face it, a scooter or small bikes dont belong in EDSA, that is, if you are one hell of a safety conscious rider. Definitely you will find yourself only being bullied by this importunate cage drivers and thus unnecessarily risking your safety. For one thing, being small makes it difficult for big vehicle drivers to take notice of you. Either you are at their side or trailing them at their backs. More over, the power of your small bike must also be consider. Please dont get me wrong. I have nothing against small bikes. Its just that if one is to protect oneself against these real dangerous situations one must at least be sizesable enough to be noticed by other drivers. In my experience in traveling on EDSA, one must adopt what mother nature has instilled in her creatures. "Survival of the fittest." To survive in the jungle, animals uses nature's gifts to them such as camoflage, stealth, cunning, speed, and what have you. Not to mention, the most effective instrument of the urban jungle game, BLUFF!! What I do is I drive my CB1000 which is big enough to be noticed, not to mention its loud imposing sound. Secondly I dress like a or similarly like a cop, but not exactly like a cop. Half shell helmet, blued maong jacket, blue pants, dark shades. Plus I have equipped my bike with a "wang wang" and a flasher/blinker. Equipped with these attributes, I noticed, these SOB drivers avoid getting close to me. One time I was being sandwhiched by two big buses and they were closing in on me. I switch on my wang wang and blinkers, rev out loud my engine,and in a second these SOB bus drives, separated ways as soon as they took noticed of me giving me a wide space enough for two cars!!!!! I also habitually rev my engine when i get close to cages while squirming into traffic. They usually give way. With all these tatics, even if EDSA is jammed all the way from magallanes to SM megamall, I dont have problems. In fact I have often timed how long it takes for me to travers EDSA Pasay MRT to UP Balara Katipunan to pick up my wife after work. On the average, traffic jam as a given factor, 30 minutes or less!

Learn from nature!!! That's the only way to protect yourselves and thus survive!!!! :wave: ( But of course like nature too, its not 100% fool proof!)

Not everyone can afford a CB1000 with flashers and sirens. Furthermore, people like myself ride scooters because it is a very practical way to get through heavy traffic congestion.

The problem is driver/rider education. Both cage drivers and us riders have to be educated on how to drive/ride properly. If all road users follow existing road regulations, I can bet traffic will ease up and our roads would be safer to use.

If I was to follow your logic, I would not ride a bike anymore. I would get myself a Sherman Tank, or even better a WWII German Tiger Tank instead. Lets see if any bus would even dare to swerve right in front of me.

di lng me sure kng bibigyan ka ng clearance ng LTO pag ganito ginamit mo :O

What I do is I drive my CB1000 which is big enough to be noticed, not to mention its loud imposing sound.

Secondly I dress like a or similarly like a cop, but not exactly like a cop. Half shell helmet, blued maong jacket, blue pants, dark shades. Plus I have equipped my bike with a "wang wang" and a flasher/blinker.

ang galing galing naman ni Mr. Dante Varona! wala bang bullet proof vest? Now I'd like to hear your opinion about the sub400cc ban on the tollways. http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/images/smilies/nuts.gif

di lng me sure kng bibigyan ka ng clearance ng LTO pag ganito ginamit mo :O

Ayos yan! :>

I always traverse at EDSA using my 125cc scooter. ANd it doesn't give me any doubt that i might be caught in the middle of these 2 buses of jeeps, or i might be sideswiped. It is really having the presence of mind when riding around either your on EDSA or even the smallest of roads.

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Originally Posted by mrmetalgear

I have equipped my bike with a "wang wang" and a flasher/blinker.

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Wang-Wang? Ang pagkaka-alam ko eh bawal yan sa mga civilian vehicles cage man o mc's.

I would get myself a Sherman Tank, or even better a WWII German Tiger Tank instead. Lets see if any bus would even dare to swerve right in front of me.

You beat me to it again!

How's about a Russian T-55, recently restored, with an RPG launcher on top?

http://www.tanksforsale.co.uk/T55/T55.htm

Bet you'd have some fun registering that with the LTO! But wouldn't it be nice sitting at the lights idly swivelling the gun barrel at loafing enforcers?!

Dream on......

While it is true that biiger bikes get noticed by cagers and are less likely to get into trouble in heavy traffic I don't believe its really true to say they don't belong on EDSA. It is the maniac bus and jeepney drivers that dont belong on EDSA or any other road.

I also second Frank's observation that reckless drivers should be penalized, not motorcycles.

Another nugget of truth I've learned is:

Displacement does not guarantee rider competence.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I also second Frank's observation that reckless drivers should be penalized, not motorcycles.

Another nugget of truth I've learned is:

Displacement does not guarantee rider competence.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I second that. Be it a 50cc Vespa, an underbone or a bigbike, it boils down to the rider. I say reading the road well and staying focused on your driving will at least lessen the risk brought about by these irresponsible cage, bus, jeepney & truck drivers.

One safe way of riding at EDSA, drive at the innermost lane nearest to the island and divider. Most of the vehicles passing there are cars and away from the PUBs and Taxis. That is where I position my ride when passing through EDSA. There are very few 'swervers' and the other vehicles are more predictable.

good thing dito sa cebu wala masyadong traffic. hehehehehe... so ok lang YSR50 ko :)

One safe way of riding at EDSA, drive at the innermost lane nearest to the island and divider. Most of the vehicles passing there are cars and away from the PUBs and Taxis. That is where I position my ride when passing through EDSA. There are very few 'swervers' and the other vehicles are more predictable.


TRUE!

That's what i do.

Presence of mind.

You beat me to it again!

How's about a Russian T-55, recently restored, with an RPG launcher on top?

http://www.tanksforsale.co.uk/T55/T55.htm

Bet you'd have some fun registering that with the LTO! But wouldn't it be nice sitting at the lights idly swivelling the gun barrel at loafing enforcers?!

Dream on......


Have been through EDSA on a V-300, no RPG launcher - only a 90 mm gun. The feeling is nice - sila tumatabi - kahit na 4 AM. Sarap sanang gumanti sa mga bus!!

Have you tried riding a mt bike in the middle of EDSA? I have, and I have survived. A mt bike cannot outrace any other vehicle in EDSA so drivers ignore them. My point is, the mentality of most drivers (not only in EDSA) is that any vehicle that overtakes them or at least try to is like a slap on the face and they will try to outrace, bully and worse endanger the lives of the "offending" driver.

Your antics is what makes more people ignore sirens even if it realy is an emergency. There are authorized users of sirens and if you're not one of them then you don't have the right to have them.

Not only Edsa that we should be aware of. Some say if you survived Edsa you will survive anywhere. Is it? I think it should be put this way, even we are on any road going to any place at any given time whether we drive and tap that pedal or we ride and chop that trottle we got to have that presence of mind by staying alert at all time, focus on a wider vision on all corners of the road and let those pair of ears work down to the lowest sound that you can hear, drive or ride defensively on all road you travel at all times and always remember not all slow are sure coz we can ride fast but safe. :s

No roads would be safe in the philippines if you see would be or feeling F1 drivers using public roads. PUBs, PUJs, Taxis and so called professional drivers use the road as if they had bought it. Stopping, Swerving (without indicating their intentions) anywhere they are. I only feel I'm safe to use Manila roads during holy week where most of the undiscplined drivers are in the provinces.

Jumbing, your point is well taken concerning driver/rider education (http://209.200.10.94/cgi-bin/ezlclk.fcgi?id=9374) but again its not that you need to arm yourself. Its just the appearance that I am after. Kay tukayo, I just used the siren very sparingly only when its really most needed. I am completely aware of its legality. I dont use it all the way!!! Baka matimbog ako--- siguradong may problema pa ako. To the others who whose riding wisdom is without doubt, citing "rider awareness," "its the buses and jeepneys that are to blame" well my opinion actually takes that into account. That is, given all those conditions and considering your safety and survival, my suggestion is just one means among the hundreds of ideas that can be thought of. But with all respect to you gentlemen, I thank you for giving out and expressing your thoughts. I for one can say, I've learned alot from all your reactions to my opinon. More power to you and to this great website.

(by the way, carrying a gun surely DOES NOT make any sense in order to protect yourself. It doesnt make your situation any better though I do have a PTCFOR for my 40caliber SIGSAUER). Its nonsense to kill someone just because of a stupid traffic altercation. Dont let road rage get the better of you!!! Believe me, you'll regret in the end.

Cheers:cheers:

the governement really have to get rid of those undisciplined and maniac drivers off the road.

on the lighter side some PUV drivers even undisciplined ones are sometimes considerate of bikers. this is what i observed whenever i take Lerma to Quiapo, most jeepney drivers plying that route are considerate of bikers. whenever i pass at the right side of the street (because of heavy traffic), the jeepneys give way as soon as they see me coming. but if it's a private vehicle, for sure he won't budge and will try to occupy that small space for him...oh well, win some. lose some.

mas gusto ko yung "dress like a cop" na idea nang thread starter...

sa opinion ko parang totoo yan ah..
para kasing mas respetuhin ka nga lokong PUV o Bus drivers if para kang parak.

ang blema lang naman dyan if makita ka ng sparrow unit..hehehhehe
or mga taong galit sa parak.hahahahahhahaha

lagot ka pa rin....

basta ako I bought a bike after accepting d fact na delikado ang mag momotor.
kung gusto mung maging safe...tama c sir jumbing at sir growler.
sakay na sa tangke.heheheheh...
sanay ma approve for publik use yang tanks na yan dito sa PINAS.

In my experience, going along the flow of traffic makes the difference. If you drive too fast, you only attract pedal floorers. If you drive too slow, chances are, cagers will cut you off. (Because of the typical uneducated Pinoy mentality)


Why not just go along with the flow and KEEP TO YOUR LANE? (Why swerve anyway?)


We are all road users here, be bikes or cages. The only time I weave inbetween cages is during standstill or walking speed traffic. If traffic is moving, I just go with the flow. (There are MINOR exceptions, of course, like emergencies)

Jumbing,

My logic is not to arm yourself to the teeth. My logic is to create an immediate seeming of appearance of authority which makes those SOB drivers be more cautious of your presence. The effect of it is very clear. In so doing you at least have a one degree of safety on your favour. Worst comes to worst, the psychology is they would have second thoughts of offending you.:g

Russell,

I do agree with you, that one should not weave through traffic and simply follow the flow of traffic. Well, that is, if the flow is about 80kph. But if the flow of traffic is at turtle pace, I beg to disagree with you there. I might as well just be in a cage like all the rest in the traffic. I think one positive aspect of riding a bike is you can avoid getting stuck in a slow pace traffic by weaving in and out. I usually do this but then I again, I make sure that my moves are not to be considered dangerous manuevers and I am very careful not to offend the cage drivers that I am passing. Most of all, I always makes sure that I dont hit any side mirrors!!! I think there is some "ethics" that can be derived and established with weaving through in and out of traffic.---- just my ten cents worth opinion:cheers:

mas gusto ko yung "dress like a cop" na idea nang thread starter...

sa opinion ko parang totoo yan ah..
para kasing mas respetuhin ka nga lokong PUV o Bus drivers if para kang parak.

ang blema lang naman dyan if makita ka ng sparrow unit..hehehhehe
or mga taong galit sa parak.hahahahahhahaha

lagot ka pa rin....



TOTOO yan. Meron din disadvantage ang pag-suot ng ganun sa mga kaaway ng mga alagad ng batas.



basta ako I bought a bike after accepting d fact na delikado ang mag momotor.
kung gusto mung maging safe...tama c sir jumbing at sir growler.
sakay na sa tangke.heheheheh...
sanay ma approve for publik use yang tanks na yan dito sa PINAS.

:D:D Mas-maganda nga ma approved yan.

i think traffic surveillance camera on every metros thoroughfare may help driver's/raiders uncourteous habit..this method will force puv&private to obey rules..

yep sa ibang countries may mga cameras installed sa mga kalsada. mmda did this once, yung nga lang hawak ng mmda enforcer yung camera, but still they did it. but inireklamo sila nung mga nahuhuli nila. tapos pinanigan sila ng mga walang isip na politicians sabay sabing against human rights daw yung pagkuha ng video. ayun pinatanggal yung surveillance camera. kaya balik sa walang katinuan ang traffic. gusto pa ng ibang politicians tanggalin ng powers ang mmda. tsk tsk tapos sasabihin nila inutil ang mmda sa pagaayos ng trapiko sa metro. eh sila rin naman ang dahilan kaya di makadiskarte ng mabuti ang mmda. gusto kasi nila sila lang ang mgaling. ayaw pa nilang aminin na may mas may-isip at magaling sa kanila.

ang lagay ng mga sasakyan sa edsa parang mga citizenry against terrorism. ang terrorist mananakot para walang gumala na mga tao at the same time stand still ang economy...sa edsa mga terrorist ay ang mga undisciplined bus and truck drivers na nananakot sa ibang sasakyan na maliliit. so anong gagawin ng maliliit na sasakyan?...it's either hindi na sila bumiyahe sa edsa o maglakas loob nalang...kaya makikita mo ang resulta nagsa-suffer din ang economy ng bayan dahil narin sa kawalan ng displina ng mga drivers na iyan.

so anong sinasabi ng government natin kapag may terrorist threat?...be careful and alert but still do what you're normally be doing. go shopping, go to the park, go live your life, don't be like hostages to this terrorists... so ganoon din sa edsa, be careful, be alert, live your life, don't be like hostages to this undisciplined drivers...kaya bilib ako sa mga may lakas loob na lumakbay sa edsa na nakamotor. i do it sometimes pero chicken talaga ako kapag singitan lalo na kapag napapagitan ako ng malalaki.

so kagaya sa mga terrorist, hinuhuli sila ng mga authorities and kinukulong (o pinapatay) para safe ang mga tao. dapat ganon din ang gawin nila sa mga abusadong drivers dapat silang hulihin o revoke ang license nila (para narin silang pinatay) para hindi sila makapinsala sa iba.

oops! haba na pala. yun lang po.

Sa totoo lang, ang EDSA para sa akin ay di para sa mga 2 wheelers..napaka hazardous nito para sa maliliit nating byahero.....I am not against sa kapwa ko rider na bumabaybay dito.....I found out before na magkaoon ako ng MC sa ibang bansa particularly na sa TAIWAN.....kung saan nagtrabaho ako for 3 years...at karamihan sa kalsada na bumibyahe dito along the city ay puro scooter.......2 wheelers..Pero pag highway na eh may sarili silang lane...yun ang napansin ko...isa pa sa totoo lang...mas barumbado pa nga sila magdrive sa atin lalo na pag naka 2 wheels sila...pero nandon pa rin yung pag galang nila sa isat isa lalo na sa bigayan.....SUS..wala ako masabi...

kaya dito sa atin KAYSA mag EDSA mag C5 ka na lang the best alternate route for that highway...

Russell,

I do agree with you, that one should not weave through traffic and simply follow the flow of traffic. Well, that is, if the flow is about 80kph. But if the flow of traffic is at turtle pace, I beg to disagree with you there. I might as well just be in a cage like all the rest in the traffic. I think one positive aspect of riding a bike is you can avoid getting stuck in a slow pace traffic by weaving in and out. I usually do this but then I again, I make sure that my moves are not to be considered dangerous manuevers and I am very careful not to offend the cage drivers that I am passing. Most of all, I always makes sure that I dont hit any side mirrors!!! I think there is some "ethics" that can be derived and established with weaving through in and out of traffic.---- just my ten cents worth opinion:cheers:


Well, I respect your opinion but we are talking about EDSA here and not any other avenue. Edsa is such a wide road that vehicles usually travel between 50-100kph on the inner lanes. Is that slow? Not unless you want to stay in the PUV lanes. There is a big difference between "SWERVING" and "proper change of lanes" if your want to overtake. If you'll ask me, my usual pace at EDSA is 70-100kph. I yes I do overtake but "SWERVE"? Hell no. (Oh yes, I do have minor exceptions :W )

I must say EDSA is no place for uneducated PUV drivers but small bikes in general? I beg to disagree.

Cheers bro! :cheers:

LAHAT NG MAIN ROADS SA METRO MANILA E MERONG BUS, JEEPNEY, TAXIS, PRIVATE AUV, SUV, CARS..... GANUN DIN SA HIGHWAY..... PERO DI LAHAT DITO PUWEDE ANG MC...... KASI RAW MALIIT ANG MC DELIKADO LALO NA SA BUS....

tama naman sila dito ang mali lang e mas pinapaboran ang MALAKI kesa sa MALIIT di fair di ba.... para maging fair dapat, kung bawal ang MC sa EDSA (example lang po), ibawal naman ang mga bus sa alternate roads.... e ang kaso lahat ng main roads me bus, QUEZON AVENUE, BOULEVARD, RECTO, RIZAL AVENUE, AYALA, BUENDIA... ETC...

I MEAN, KUNG DELIKADO ANG MC SA MALALAKING SASAKYAN, DI DAPAT MC ANG LAGI ILALAYO SA MALALAKING SASAKYAN, DAPAT MINSAN YUNG MALALAKING SASAKYAN NAMAN ANG ILAYO NILA........

hindi yan delikado kung susunod lang sa batas trapiko ang mga driver ng bus. kagaya ng within the yellow lane sila tatakbo. kaso lumalabas sa yellow lane tapos hihinto sa gitna ng kalsada tapos kapag aandar bigla nalang lalabas at sisingit sa kabilang lane...so sabihin niyo ngayon, sino ang dapat pagbawalan sa kalsada ang matinong rider o ang barumbadong driver?

Get rid of the monster drivers? when even our goverment officials can get rid of themselves (not all, though). I've been plying EDSA for a year and a half already. I just keep my eyes open, thinks that this people in cage cant see me as if I'm invinsible, keep my distance and stay in one lane as much as possible and most of all lots of prayers to keep me safe from harm. :)

on the lighter side some PUV drivers even undisciplined ones are sometimes considerate of bikers. this is what i observed whenever i take Lerma to Quiapo, most jeepney drivers plying that route are considerate of bikers. whenever i pass at the right side of the street (because of heavy traffic), the jeepneys give way as soon as they see me coming. but if it's a private vehicle, for sure he won't budge and will try to occupy that small space for him...oh well, win some. lose some.

Well I have a theory on that one ... they probably owned a bike :D


How about some charity work for the bus drivers ... lend them a bike and let them ride through Edsa :>

How about some charity work for the bus drivers ... lend them a bike and let them ride through Edsa :>

Great idea. That would change their driving habits :D Maybe it should be a compulsary part of a the driving test for a professional license.

I would suggest a compulsory month of nights on Accident and Emergency picking up dead babies, dismembered body parts and getting covered with other people's blood from the actions of their irresponsible peers.