MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started implementing the motorcycle lane scheme along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA).

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the scheme, which was first implemented along Commonwealth Avenue and Macapagal Boulevard, will have its dry run this week.

Tolentino said the formal implementation of the scheme along the busy avenue will be on February 20.

The motorcycle lane will run from Monumento to Pasay-Rotonda. The avenue’s 4th lane from the right was designated as the motorcycle lane. The MMDA explained that based on their study, the 4th lane was found to be the safest for motorcycle riders.

The MMDA also noted that putting the motorcycle lane on the 4th lane would allow the rider to easily enter the avenue’s underpass and flyovers.

The MMDA said those who will be caught violating the scheme will be required to attend a 15-minute on-the-spot seminar.

A “heart-shaped” sticker, bearing the MMDA logo and the phrases "Certified Motorcycle Riders" and "Disiplinado Ako", will also be placed on the motorcycle to indicate that the rider is already aware of the policy.

The motorcycle lanes are non-exclusive, according to MMDA. However, non-motorcycle vehicles are encouraged to use other lanes to avoid accidents. Motorcycles are also allowed to deviate from the lane when they are about to take a U-turn, a left turn or a right turn.

Latest data show that every day, 6,559 and 5,173 motorcycles traverse the northbound and southbound lanes of EDSA, respectively. The MMDA said these numbers represent a 19% increase from 2010. – with a report from dzMM