MMDA chief: More motorcycle-safety rules being lined up

After the campaign to have motorcycle riders travel along designated lanes, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has lined up more motorcycle safety campaigns. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino hinted the next campaign will involve discouraging motorcycle riders from having "extra" passengers. "We will start with enforcing motorcycle lanes. If we are successful, we will follow it up with a campaign against having two or more extra passengers," Tolentino said in an interview on dzBB radio. He hinted having two or more extra passengers on a motorcycle may increase safety risks. Several motorcycle riders have been noted carrying extra passengers aside from the back-rider, including those bringing small children to school. On Monday, the MMDA stepped up its preparation to implement a motorcycle lane rule on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, and Macapagal Boulevard in southern Metro Manila. While violators will be fined P500 per violation starting Oct. 24, the MMDA will flag them down and subject them to on-the-spot safety seminars for this week. "Huwag biglain sabay-sabay (We don't want to impose so many safety rules at the same time)," Tolentino said. Meanwhile, Tolentino reminded motorcycle riders along these motorcycle lanes to observe the 60-kph speed limit, and to keep their headlights on. — LBG, GMA News