Motorcycles can now use Expressways

05

October

Before we start dancing on the streets, this is still limited to bikes 400cc and up, which still basically excludes the majority of the riding population.

From GMA News TV

Motorcycles with engine displacement of at least 400 cubic centimeters (CC) can now use expressways but owners must strictly comply with toll way rules and regulation, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said Friday.

In the latest department order signed by DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza, dated October 4, 2007, 400 cc motorcycles will be allowed access in all expressways but they must comply with all the provision stated in Republic Act 4136 known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines.

The order will replace the March 23, 2007 order of the DOTC No 2007-15 that declared all expressways as Limited Access Facilities and restricts all types of motorcycle from entering toll ways.

Based on the new order, motorcycles drivers should religiously observe roadworthiness, safety standards issued by competent authorities and licensing requirements.

Motorcycles must follow speed limits prescribed by law and toll way operators, must not lane-split and overtake in between lanes and must not use lanes normally used by other vehicles in accordance with safe motoring and practice.

The department order added that motorcycles must also travel with their headlights on at all times to improve and enhance their visibility to other toll way users and must ensure that their tail lights and turn-signal lights are working at all times.

Motorcycle owners, at the same time, will be allowed only one back rider and must each use protective gears particularly helmets.

They will also not be allowed to load extra cargo except for normally accepted saddlebags and for luggage carriers specifically designed for motorcycles.

Motorcycle users shall also pay a toll rate prescribed by a current class I vehicles and encouraged to use electronic toll collection equipment (E-pass or EC-Tag).

10 Responses to “Motorcycles can now use Expressways”

The return to status quo for motorcycles of up to 400 cc and up on the expressway is a limited success. But it is also an important success because is signals the acknowledgement of the motorcycling community as a force to reckon with. The challenge is now with us, especially the sub-400 cc to fight for our rights to share in the use of the highways.

“fight” ??

Maybe it’s time to stop fighting and instead to work with the authorities in a consultative and collaborative way.

How about …

- We bigbikers need to understand that we are ambassadors for the entire community and always set a high standard of roadcraft and equipment.

- We need to show our appreciation and support for Secretary Mendoza’s decision. Perhaps fete him in October at Megamall.

- We need to suggest some criteria for accident statistics to say “if the number of motorcycle accidents is less than x per year the limit will be reduced to 250cc in 2008, 150cc in 2009, 100cc in 2010″.

- We could do with treating each piece of road differently. There is a big difference in riding conditions and safety on coastal versus NLEX versus the SBMA spur.

- We should suggest some experimental “open days” (eg. the last Sunday of each month) when the expressways are open to all. We should liaise with DOTC/DPWH to monitor the effect of the bikes on traffic flow, safety, toll booth congestion. We have to admit that bikers take much longer to transact the toll fee than cars so we need to work together to find a solution.

- We should offer a specification for minimal safety equipment, eg. full face helmets, gloves, boots whatever else makes common sense). Bikes failing to meet the specification can be refused entry.

- Continue to make the case that motorcycles are better for the country than gas guzzling SUVs and belching buses and so transport policy needs to find ways to encourage, not discourage their use.

The good news is that DOTC seem to be taking responsibility as per the SC ruling. Let’s work with them for the benefit of all.

Keep the shiny side up
Roy

Hows this for consultative:

Mr Mendoza, stop playing my mother. You are not better than me and should not tell me when I can use the road or not. I’m sure you understand that when you keep us out of your road, we never believe that its for the best of everyone because so far you have not shown even an inkling of proof why.

We do know that it’s your job to keep that road safe for everyone. But again, like my mother keeping the living room clean by keeping everyone from using it isn’t exactly the ideal way to do it. I hope you realize what that makes you.. but doubt you honestly can.

Now, I hope you know that just because you act like my dear mother doesnt mean I wish for you the same. I pray for her safety while I hope you count in the statistics and read it on a tabloid. That would be a fitting end to this irony called freeway ban. Please expect huge celebrations after that for 40 days.

Wishing for you very well, as I dont think there is hope on you,
Fred

Hahaha! Very funny..

if the sentiments from comment #3 becomes prevalent, the inclination for MCPF to be in another photo-op reminiscent of that september 05 thingy in malacañang, (which seems to espoused by comment #2), stops dead in its tracks right now.

but we are all clutching at straws until MCPF officialdom lets us in on what is really happening.

if the sentiments from comment #3 becomes prevalent, the inclination for MCPF to be in another photo-op (reminiscent of that september 05 thingy in malacañang), which seems to be espoused by comment #2, should be dead in its tracks right now.

but we are all clutching at straws until MCPF officialdom lets us in on what is really happening.

In concurrence with rsmithh post. Mr. mendoza’a clemency and good understanding with actual road conditions seems makes sense. He has given us riders an opportunity for bikers to prove their discipline and wordiness to access an open road which most average size vehicle also travels. Some are hypocrites to admit that a taste of adrenalin rush does not feel good once you push your self to the limit on these open area and some are even mad because they don’t have the means to utilize the privilege being granted. Which ever side you satisfy don’t be mad for the things you can’t avail just because you cannot and don’t avail the things that you wont have. These are the true reasons why some people post a negative comment to DOTC. The Man from DOTC gave his right hand don’t abuse it. Let us prove our selves first. If you want to avail the Nlex and Slex secure the required CC of bike and gears if you cannot Please don’t say any bad words

Clemency:
1) forbearance, leniency, or mercy, as toward an OFFENDER or ENEMY
2)a merciful or lenient act

Di namin kailangan ng clemency nyo. wala kaming kasalanan sa bintang nyo. matapobre. pwe. Lupa din namin yan.

Tapos na ba kayong humingi ng clemency nyo para sa photo ops nyo sa malcanang? Punasan nyo yung etchas sa ilong nyo kahahalik nyo sa pwet nila at sunod nyong hingin ay DIGNIDAD. Painglisingles pa kayo e mas may paninindigan ang magsasaka sa inyo.

Dignity:
1) the quality of being worthy of esteem or honor; worthiness
2) high repute; honor

Uuuuy kapatid sa pakikibaka mukhang naiwan ka sa edsa ng palayasin si erap. Kasasabi lang sa ibang comment na wag maglagay ng comment na paurong pasaway kang talaga.

tinatawag mo ba sarili mo may dignidad nyan sa ginagawa mo??? Binibigyan mo ng pangit na emahen ang salamin ang mga dukha.

Kahit sa pinaka mababaw na pananaw kahit bisikleta di ka dapat humawak. Pakiwari naming mga tunay na may malasakit sa bansa kaming mga nasa Middle class na mangagawa ay napapasama and kalalagayan namin sa mga katulad nyong may baluktot ang pangangatwiran.

magbayad ka muna ng buwis mo. Explain before complain… Galit ka dahil marunong magingles kapwa mo pilipino? o galit ka kasi sa baba ng pinagaralan mo hirap kang sumabay sa usapan

Nasusulat dito na magiwan daw ng comment hindi manlait at mabusta ng kapwa riders.

Sa moderator and admin ng MCP pacensya na po.

uuyyy, kapatid na sintido, natumbok mo. taxpayer nga kaya si makibaka? mahirap manglait ng tao, pero dapat tanggapin natin ang katotohanan na, ang mga pasaway at mareklamo sa kalye e yung mga di nagbabayad ng taxes. bahagi ako ng middle class na mamamayan na lehitimong nagbabayad ng buwis. baka naman ang binabanggit nyang magsasaka e yung mga unang panahon na talagang may mga dignidad. e yung mga nakikita ngayon na mga nakikibaka e parang mga mukhang bayaran na ang hinihintay e ang bayad. suri. commento lang po.

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