CCTO eyes “shared lane” for motorcycles, bicycles

CEBU, Philippines — Motorcycles and bicycles will be sharing lanes in some areas in Cebu City to ease traffic after the city traffic office has observed that some of the designated bicycle lanes are underutilized.

Paul Gotiong, executive director of the Cebu City Transportation Office, said that having “shared lanes” for motorcycles and bicycles will help ease traffic in the city.

Gotiong said they are planning to have the Cebu South Coastal Road and Natalio Bacalso Avenue going to Imus Road as pilot areas. He said they are now preparing the road signages to be installed along the routes.

These “shared lanes” are also expected to be connected to the cities of Talisay and Mandaue. Aside from helping ease traffic congestion, shared lanes will also provide a safer place for motorcycle and bicycle riders to travel.

The CCTO has noted numerous reports of motorcycle drivers suddenly overtaking, splitting, or filtering lanes that cause road accidents. The lane sharing has been proven effective in other areas and even in abroad. — Sanden J. Anadia, FPL (FREEMAN)