MMDA is providing motorcycle riders shelter during rain

Expect this space to be crowded with motorcycle riders during rainfall. PHOTO FROM MMDA

You’re familiar with the situation: Once it rains, a large number of motorcycle riders will crowd together at crucial spots on the road just to avoid getting wet. While we understand why they need to do this, we also think it’s unsafe and inconvenient. And so, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has come up with a solution: provide emergency lay-bys where riders can safely take cover.

MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos has shown off the first installment of this project, located at the ground level of the Quezon Avenue flyover on EDSA. He points out, however, that the facility is only for temporary shelter during heavy downpours.

“Motorcyclists would be allowed to stay only when it is raining,” he says. “No parking shall be allowed or they shall receive a violation ticket for illegal parking.”

Of course, the obligatory photo ops. PHOTOS FROM MMDA

To follow are similar emergency lay-bys at the following locations:

EDSA

• GMA Kamuning
• Kamias
• Santolan/Crame
• Ortigas
• Buendia
• Tramo
• Roxas Boulevard

C5 ROAD

• Tandang Sora
• Aurora Boulevard
• C5 Libis
• Pasig Boulevard
• C5 Kalayaan

ROXAS BOULEVARD 

• Roxas Jr. flyover
• Buendia flyover
• Roxas Boulevard-EDSA flyover

ALABANG ROAD

• Skyway near SLEX South Station
• SLEX near Alabang Purple Hill

Lay-by facilities will be added on Sucat Road and Chapel Road “once areas have been cleared of obstructions.”

'Pocket gardens' will be put up to enhance the facilities' 'urban aesthetics' and fight 'urban decay'. PHOTOS FROM MMDA

Props to the MMDA for this project. Let’s just hope these facilities will not be misused by morons. Because, you know, Philippines.