Narrow bike lane along Commonwealth Avenue eyed

MANILA, Philippines — Narrowing the bicycle lane to give more space to motorcycles may improve traffic flow along Commonwealth Avenue, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Reducing the bicycle lane to 2.5 meters from five meters could provide two more lanes for motorcycles, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said on Friday during a dialogue with motorcycle groups and motorcycle taxi companies.

Three other proposals were presented at the meeting: removal of the bike lane, transferring the motorcycle lane from fifth to fourth lane and “reconfiguring” the bike lane as an exclusive space for motorcycle taxis and delivery riders.

Artes was reportedly more amendable to narrowing the bike lane to widen the motorcycle lane.