MUST-READ: Here's the new LTO guidelines for bike lanes (+ penalties, fines)

The country is gearing up for a more progressive attitude toward bicycle use in the nation, particularly in the National Capital Region. 

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Metro Manila has become a place full of bicyclists who commute, run errands or simply enjoy some recreational activity. The construction and use of bike lanes are becoming more common across cities, helping to promote biker safety.

Motorists are now being reminded (constantly!) that they are prohibited from driving a vehicle on a bicycle lane except under limited circumstances, like when (1) entering or leaving a roadway; or, (2) preparing for a turn from an intersection.

LTO guidelines for bicycle lanes

Just recently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) released a public advisory regarding the guidelines and protocols for drivers in the operation of motorcycles, cars, trucks and other motorized vehicles.

Here are the guidelines for bicycle lanes.
1. No motor vehicle shall be allowed to either cross or park into bicycle lanes or pedestrian lanes.
2. Give sufficient clearance and watch your speed when passing. Avoid blowing of horns to cyclists.

3. Be extra careful when turning at intersection. Use signal lights and scan side mirrors before turning.
4. Open doors with care. Make sure there is no cyclists approaching before opening the door.
5. Check blind spots. Always be aware of cyclists approaching in every direction.

Penalties, fines for motorists using or obstructing the bike lanes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and LTO penalizes a bike lane violation with a Disregarding Traffic Signs (DTS) offense that carries a penalty of PhP150.00, plus an additional Reckless Driving on the ticket which has a penalty of up to PhP1,000.00 including suspension of driver’s license.

Quezon City, however, imposes stricter fines of P1,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense. The use of for-hire pedicabs in the bike lanes are also prohibited with a fine of P300 or a day of community service for the first offense, and P300 or a day of community service and attendance to a seminar on safe cycling for the second and succeeding offenses. 


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This post originally appeared on https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com