Biker's world

A WAKE UP CALL TO ALL RIDERS:

2012-02-03T15:19:00.001+08:00

Introduction = It is noted that the efforts and intent of the government to help reduce accidents, crime and promote safer roads must applauded however, The design and implementation is somewhat immature. The need to do drastic changes may be warranted, but it must still comply to the provisions of the law to protect those who are affected by the problems and are responsible road users. This topic will discuss the issues surrounding riders and what is being forced on their shoulders for what has become, a regulation frenzy by the different LGU's and the MMDA. What is concerning is that certain provisions of the law are being ignored and worse, violated in the acts being pushed into effect.

What is safe for a motorcycle = Being able to maneuver safely to avoid obstacles, objects and road conditions when and where necessary in a manner that does not affect other vehicles.

Can a motorcycle sharing the road be safe = As long as each vehicle acknowledges the presence of the other, they can use the road in harmony. However, without discipline, the results can vary from risky to chaotic.

Is exclusive MC lanes safe = Only when the speed limits are observed and enforced while the riders are giving each other enough space to maneuver out of danger when it arises
Is non exclusive lanes safe = It is possible if all vehicles follow all the rules and strict enforcement is dealt amongst all road users then road sharing can exist and motorcycles can stay in their lane while sharing it with other vehicles.

What is the problem = Motorcyclists are not the only undisciplined road users out there. The private and most especially the public utility drivers are the same. If equal enforcement is instilled amongst all road users then discipline will carry through all the drivers and riders. Focusing discipline on just the riders will not solve the problem entirely. Instead, while you are creating a disciplined environment for riders, ignoring the drivers puts the riders in harms way. While motorcyclists conform to the rules and the restrictions, having undisciplined drivers that have full access to the blue lanes makes the riders moving targets. Moreover, the proliferation of more uneducated and reckless riders and drivers will continue to grow if the indiscriminate issuance of licenses do not change. So disciplining the riders and drivers will be a very slow process as the numbers continue to grow.

Root Cause Analysis = Allowing riders and drivers to go out on the streets without proper education and screening is like teaching your dog to drive. You will eventually lead him into a higher possibility of getting into an accident. The licensing agency must apply strict and comprehensive testing to all applicants to filter those who are not qualified to be on the road. This will allow the enforcement agency to a more effective enforcement of the rules for traffic and proper road usage as you keep the ratio of road users and enforcers compatible or not over bandwidth.

Supplementary = We have to acknowledge that there are literally thousands if not millions of riders that have no discipline, no respect and no consideration for other vehicles. And that is why the people, especially the non riders are against us and wont see reason or the justification for equality. That is the sad truth. However, it is the sworn duty of the government to be fair, equal and non partisan over any group or individual. But the immense swelling of the road users population has gone out of proportion to what the enforcement can handle. The question is, how do we solve this?

Conclusion = The existing laws must be strictly enforced amongst all road users and the licensing must undergo drastic changes. Only then can a long term solution be reached. There is no other way to prevent the growth of the road users and the corresponding accidents and crimes that happen while using a vehicle. Although the implementation of the, MC lane, mandatory vests or banning of back rides do partial work, it instills segregation, profiling, the passing of the burden of incompetency and discrimination because all other vehicles are now given less attention. The law must apply to all or non at all... And the ends does not justify the means.

Wake up my fellow riders... In order for us to gain the favor of the government, we must help ourselves instill discipline amongst our brethren... Lets do this starting with ourselves.

Then going out to fight for our rights will mean more to us and more effective to our cause...

Thank you!

A message... To the people who call themselves the legitimate riders...

2012-02-02T20:46:00.000+08:00

The ends does not justify the means....

Oo, bumaba ang namatay sa commonwealth... Bumababa din ang dami ng dumadaan dito, bumaba din ang speed limit... pero, ang mga bus at jeep, bumaba din ba ang mga pag pasok at pag cut sa linya ng motor? Pinapansin ba sila? O motor lang ang inaabangan parati? Fair and equal treatment ang nawala dahil ang focus nasa motor... Ilang aksidente na ang naireport ng kapwa natin motorista pero na media blackout ng powers that be... Bakit? The risk is still there... The only reason the accidents went down is because the riders have moved elsewhere, they are doing what they can in avoiding the buses and jeeps, adapting and taking the risk that our restricted movement in the lane has given us... At what cost? Buti sana kung hinhuhuli din mga labas pasok na PUV sa MC lane... Buti sana kung maayos na pinapatupad ang existing na batas ng pantay pantay sa lahat... Hindi yung halos lahat ng attensyon nakatutok na sa mga nag momotor... Sumunod na ang EDSA, sumunod na ang Marikina, sumunod na ang Manila... Bakit? Dahil akala nila, pwede na lang nilang pag tulakan ang motor at mga gumagamit nito... SACRIFICIAL lambs na lang ba tayo? Again, the ends does not justify the means... Hindi porket alam kong masamang tao ang aking kapit bahay ay pwede ko nang ilagay ang batas sa sarili kong kamay at dispatsahin sya... Safety should coincide with the Law... Not sacrifice the law for safety... Now people think they can just ignore whatever right, equality and fair treatment that we deserve as citizens just to have them do something... The root cause of the problem is still being ignored... Indiscriminate licensing and inadequate enforcement practices... Why settle for a band aid solution that does not fix the problem on a larger scale?

Proper screening in licensing, proper education, and proper enforcement is the key to the issues on the road... The ones being implemented now only puts us in a box, treats us like criminals and impedes equal treatment... You say your a rider... Why don't you think like one? Why are we the ones carrying the burden of the people who are responsible for these problems? They swore to protect and make our lives easier, instead, they are passing all the hardship and prejudice on us, the people... Just because we are riders does not make all of us bad people that they have to whip with their sticks of rank and power... There are those who are good, deserving and has the desire to see things change for the better... What kind of change are we going into?

Safety? What is safe about allowing buses and jeeps to cut across, stop in front, and speed behind the riders put us in? I have not even begun to talk about other cars, taxi's, suv's, vans and what not... Safe? The MC lane is a misconception of safety... The numbers you lean on are because the bikes are forced to follow what is being pushed down their throats... If you have the enforcement push the same effort to regulating all vehicles and apprehend all would be violators, the result would be the same if not even better...

I have seen the truth about safety and how a rider accepts risk and deals with it to make himself safe... This is not one of them... In fact, it is detrimental to his safety... bikes are designed to be able to maneuver away from the risk that comes in front, beside and behind him... If you remove even a part of that capability, you in turn increase risk and sacrifice safety... It is through regulation that you control the way they move... Not by restriction or by boxing them in...

And once more, the statistics are being used to misconstrue the truth... Majority of the fatal accidents are caused not during the day when the bikes are filtering through traffic... They mostly happen at night... We have not even gone through the cause and who's at fault in these accidents... Some of them are bikes being run over, side swiped and slammed into by other vehicles which is not even the riders fault... Some are caused by alcohol, drugs, over speeding, road conditions and road rage... Who is to say that all the accidents are the riders fault? Do you have that data?

Again, 3 months of data is not even close to significant on the actual events that transpire... Look at the images and videos that are being shared all over... Ride the lanes during the daytime... Look and see how other vehicles bully bikes in their lanes because they know they cant move out of it... Experience how you continuously lookout and be on the defensive while the other vehicles are being ignored by enforcement... In fact, look at where the enforcement is during your rides on the lanes... Do not ride as a group... Ride alone... Ride like everybody else... Experience, see and feel what it is like... The pictures and videos already show more than enough, but hey, why not see for yourself... I ride these roads regularly... I check and visit the activity of MMDA which is almost non existent a lot of times against the other road users who clearly and deliberately ignore and break the traffic laws while the riders follow what they are forced to follow...

You may think you know, but you don't... Denial is the first defense mechanism against truth... Your statistics still does not justify the means no matter what... And the burden of proof is still out there... Waiting to show it's ugly face... Do we need to wait for somebody to die? And speaking of death, that one person recorded, did he die while being in the lane? How about the covered and unreported accidents that was shared on the internet? Did you know that most of them happened while the riders were in the lane while the rest is when they were trying to get into or out of the lane because of the 100 meter rule?

Because of the trend that started with the MC lane, lawmakers are now using that to apply other laws that segregate, profile, push and discriminate riders and their passengers... Cause and effect... The deadly and sinful fruits of a seed planted by the MC Lane...

Wake up... It's not too late... We must protect our selves from what's taking place in society... Let's not lead the people in power into totalitarian rule... Let's not allow the existing and forgotten rules and regulations be replaced by discriminative ones... The issue is they do not have it within them to enforce what's already there equally amongst all road users...

What will make you see the truth? When will you see the truth? When I say, "I TOLD YOU SO"?

Official position of MRO on the MC lanes: ONE VOICE - ONE STAND!

2012-01-16T11:52:00.001+08:00

Official position of MRO on the MC lanes: ONE VOICE - ONE STAND!

1. We are in favor of the MC Lane only if the infrastructure supports it and the conditions are ideal (Currently, IT IS NOT!)
2. We ask that they focus first on the current issues like the lack of control over PUV's who stop, block, weave and race though the roads without being apprehended
3. To stop the indiscriminate issuance of R1 licenses to unqualified riders
4. To strictly enforce the existing laws and not add new ones that are half baked to say the least
5. To remove all unscrupulous enforcement personnel who cannot do their jobs properly
6. To remove unequal treatment by enforcement on mc riders while other vehicles are being ignored
7. To allow us to be part of any plan or legislative projects for motorcycles
8. To bring back fair and honest treatment of all road users
9. To stop branding all riders as bad, irresponsible and criminals
10. To stop making MC riders money machines on the road

Please take note of number 1: We like the idea... What we don't like is the way it is implemented and the way they designed it without TRULY considering our position and safety. They say it's for our own good, but in reality, they are dictating rules that violate other provisions of the law... They say it's because of the bad apples on the road, but in reality, every class of vehicle has bad apples and just because there are bad riders and drivers does not give them the right to treat everybody else the same... That is undue profiling and that is discrimination...

The ends does not justify the means... One Voice, One Stand!!!

You want a long term solution? Here's a suggestion...

2012-01-13T20:16:00.001+08:00

Smart people with smart answers... I love the way the MC LANE fanboys call their detractors stupid... Hehehe...

Anyway, here is a suggestion...

In one day, I was able to amass more than 500 pictures of violations perpetrated by buses and jeeps on Commonwealth...

That did not even take me more than 3 hours to take them...

Pictures will clearly show plate numbers how they violated the law...

Lets say each violation is worth 300 pesos...

That is 150,000 per day in tickets...

These are all tied up to the vehicle records and each week, they are compiled and sent to the operators... The operators then have a number of days to indicate the drivers info (License no.) and return it back to the MMDA... MMDA then submits the list to LTO with the corresponding photograph stating the bus used, plate number, and license number of the driver during that time... Fees are collected during license renewal... That is step one...

If in case a driver is caught by camera multiple times, his license will be suspended or confiscated with the amount still tied up to his name...

For the operators failure to submit the list of drivers who were caught operating their franchise at the time of the picture was taken, they also suffer a penalty up to franchise suspension for non compliance... This is step two...

150,000 a day for 3 hours in one location is worth 1.5M in 10 locations... 1.5M a day = 45,000,000 in a month for just 10 locations... How many locations are there?

How to make this more effective? HD CCTV cameras... A centralized ops center... Validation and verification of each violation caught is QA'd for fairness... Each violation is tagged with a picture/screenshot for transparency... Violators are protected by a double jeopardy system that allows only one entry at a given time or place... That way, no two ops personnel can tag one driver twice at a given time...

This will definitely create a cloud of discipline over the drivers and would solve the issue of capturing each and every single violation in a system that is tagged, secured and objective rather than subjective...

Each picture must contain the following to be validated:

1. Picture of scenario showing violation
2. Picture of plate number of vehicle (Which is easy now since the body numbers are painted all over the vehicles)
3. Picture showing the face of the driver (HD Cameras are more than capable of doing this)

The drivers can even protest an apprehension if it was not them in the picture... This means the operators made a mistake of putting their license numbers at the time of the incident and incurs a penalty for unscrupulous reporting... This is step three...

This system gives both drivers and operators accountability...

And with that, operators will now instill discipline and responsible driving with their people because each time their bus gets caught, they suffer points which amounts to the suspension of a franchise or a corresponding penalty for not being able to control their people... This is step four...

This system is just half of what it is capable of... Then you can work on the private vehicles... Different set of procedures for them since they are not operators except for company owned vehicles...

Each operator has log book of who is driving their vehicles at a given time and date... So filling the blanks is easy...

And in today's day and age, every business has access to email... If not, then they are sent by snail mail...

Although collections are not immediate, they can easily make that money whenever a driver renews his license...

Then random apprehensions are made on the road with the use of an electronic/wireless gadget that issues tickets to licenses and simultaneously connects to the main server to save them... This is in relation to the ops center so that they don't get tagged with two violations at a given time... Then if there are pending violations for the driver caught by street level enforcers, then their licenses gets confiscated on the spot... When this happens, the vehicle is towed and the operator fined for allowing a delinquent driver to operate their bus or jeep... This is step five...

In one year, this will instill massive change and discipline over all drivers on the streets...

If they dont want it, then the solution is simply...

GAWIN NILA ANG TRABAHO NILA NG MAAYOS AT HULIHIN NILA LAHAT NG VIOLATORS NA MAKIKITA NILA IMBIS NA NAMIMILI SILA NG ORAS AT NG HUHULIHIN NILA...

This is my suggestion...

Rather that spending money on the lane, then intensify operations with the use of technology, imagery and proper process building... Make use of the billions being spent on IT Development which goes no where...

Then, the BILLION PESO skyway over EDSA is no longer needed since the streets will now become more free flowing and the road users more disciplined thus creating a better driving/riding experience for all...

Kaya sa ibang bansa, hindi kailangan masyado ang napakaraming enforcer... Isang traffic cop lang per intersection ok na kasi me support sya ng CCTV... Tapos, 24 hour pa ang operation... Kahit disoras na ng gabi, me nahuhuli pa din... The beauty of night vision CCTV...

All this without creating new laws or implementing new, half baked ideas, impartial and unequal treatment on the street level, and removing all incompetent and corrupt enforcers on the streets...

Ang nangyayari kasi, employ sila ng employ ng mga taong hindi naman kayang gawin ng tama trabaho nila tapos hindi sila nasisita o nabibigyan ng kauukulang diciplinary action...

On the road users side naman, mawawala na ang lagay... Mawawala na ang dahilan, pakiusap o takas... Lahat kasi objective na... Hindi na subjective...

Lahat titino at aayos na ng pag mamaneho sa kalsada...

Sasabihin nilang walang budget?!? Puro nga sila panukala ng kung ano ano tapos sabay implementation... Walang budget?!?

Edi gawin nilang concession agreement with the group who will build the system... Habang kumakalap sila ng fines during the collection, binabayaran ila unti unti yung system at mga tao... Wala pang nilabas na budget...

Now, even without the system in place, hindi naman talaga kailangan ang MC lane kung gagawin lang nila ang trabaho nila ng maayos... Papatuparin ang batas na nakasulat na mula noon at pag iibayuhin nila ang disiplina at tamang aksyon laban sa mga violators...

The system only makes the work a lot faster, simple and effective...

ROI will be made in a matter of two to four years depending on the cost of the system and the problem of undisciplined, and reckless drivers will be solved at the same time...

What say you?!?

I can go on and on with this idea and present this against the MC lane factor that instills segregation, discrimination, unequal treatment from the law and promotes safer roads by the cause and effect that this process can do...

Hindi yung band aid solution na inaabuso lang ng sarili nilang tao at ng mga miron na akala mo kung sinong mga experto sa larangan ng pag momotor... You dont just have to be a rider to understand it... You also need to be a driver... That way, you see it both ways... Over and under... All bases covered...

Bakit hindi nila ito papaboran, Sad to say, in the long run kasi, pag disiplinado na ang tao at mahigpit na ang patakaran, liliit na ang kita nila in the future...

But logically, what better system can you think of than this? MC lane to pass the burden to the road users?!? SCAPEGOAT SYSTEM to run away from their incapacity to do the job right...

PILIPINAS, GUSTO NA KITANG IWANAN...

Pero di ko kayang pabayaan ang mga taong nag kukumahog na mag trabaho upang buhayin ang kanilang mga pamilya sa ganitong systema na niloloko, nililinlang, inaabuso, pineperahan, inaagrabyado at hindi patas na pagtrato sa kanila, sa atin at sa ibang kababayan natin...

Nakakalunkot, pero sino ba ang mag tatanggol sa mga tao kundi tayo rin...

Supporta nyo ang kailangan para maisulong natin ang tamang systema na pag papatupad ng existing na batas, pagiging strikto sa disiplina at pag bibigay ng lisensya at pag bibigay aral sa lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada...

Tulad sa pag asa na binibigay nyo sa amin at sa MAP/MRO, sana maka asa din kami sa supporta ninyo...

Time to Remember, Time to Ride tayo ulit para sa tama, maayos, ligtas at patas na pag papatupad ng batas sa lansangan!!!

EDSA MC Lane... The battle for our rights, safety and equality has a new location...

2012-01-11T15:23:00.001+08:00

TV5 News just came and have sought for our reaction on the recent move to implement the MC lane on EDSA...

As far as we are concerned, we are still in the same position as before...

Just in case they cut the interview short and all that I have said does not come into the interview once they broadcast it, I have mentioned the following:

1. The infrastructure is not ready
2. The MC lane should not be called the MC lane because everybody else is allowed to use that lane
3. Lack of enforcement for the existing laws is what's keeping the problems rampant
4. Lack of proper screening and stricter issuance of licenses allows more and more undisciplined road users on the streets and behind the wheel of a vehicle
5. Creation of new laws isn't the solution, stricter enforcement of the existing ones will put everybody in place
6. Just like anything implemented, once it has taken it's time in the limelight, it is easily forgotten and put aside
7. The intention is not the issue being questioned in fact, we applaud it... It is the part where basic rights, the safety act and the equal treatment that is being ignored for a band aid solution is what bothers us
8. We are clearly being segregated and discriminated by the mere fact that they are willing to sacrifice the provisions of the law that provide fair and equal treatment to all
9. It may have lessened the accidents/incidents involving motorcycles on the areas where the MC lane exist, but has it reduced the over all number or accidents/incidents everywhere else included?
10. They said that their implementing guide was the ordinances issued by QC and Pasay which led to the MC lane in those areas... Does this mean that Makati, Mandaluyong, QC have issued new ordinances for EDSA?
11. Where is the IRR for the MC Lane?
12. Has any document been published?
13. Has all efforts to disseminate information to all motorists been done?
14. The MC lane is not going to solve traffic, accidents and crime... Your only pushing it somewhere else
15. Motorcycles help in reducing congestion on the road by it's ability to filter through traffic... Teaching the riders and regulating the way filtering is done will help reduce incidents involving motorcycles... The MC lane will only make EDSA more congested since you are telling the smaller bikes to line up and to be part of the traffic
16. The lack of control and enforcement on PUV's clearly shows that they are being ignored... Why?!?

The news crew from TV5 has shared images with me and it is already clear that the MC lane in EDSA is on the second lane from the center island... In-between the private lanes...

Although separated from the PUV's, we are still being crossed by other vehicles from the left, right and back... As far as the chairman is concerned, the MC lane is and will not be exclusive to MC's.... Not even semi-exclusive... Then why is it called the MC lane?

Mr. Chairman, if you can easily deploy a hundred men to watch over the Bourne Legacy shooting, why can't you deploy your men to enforce the laws of the streets instead of creating or implementing new ones that clearly ignore, violate and disregards the rights, safety and equal treatment of the people you swore to serve?!?

Case delays... What causes them?

2011-12-01T08:24:00.001+08:00

"Justice delayed is Justice denied"

Maguindanao case... 2 years and still on going...

Jacky Rowena Tiu case... 10 years and still on going...

Edwin Cusit, Johnny Alonzo and Ben Maggudayao case... 16 years and still on going...

Petition against the Motorcycle Lanes... 20 years?!?

In a statement that I once heard before, THE PHILIPPINES is notorious in the world for having the slowest judicial system. The progress of justice is slower than a sloth taking a liesurely stroll. Reasons can be corruption, lazy and cowardly judges, justices and prosecutors, clogged court dockets, and dilatory tactics of the defense.

So what does it take for us to get things going and prevent the abuse of power to rule over the tax payers?

Is the country heading down to a downward spin to it's death? I would say it is with the way things are going, but, we still hope for the best...

We tried being persuaded into the laws, however, when push comes to shove and people refuse to listen to reason, you have to do what's necessary to get them to notice and act on the issue at hand... Hence the filing of the case and TRO against the motorcycle lane...

Now, the justice system is being carefree and moving aimlessly in resolving the case...

Do we have to call on a bigger and worse act of disobedience to get them to listen?

Or do we have to hang up our gloves and give up on a loosing battle against the know it all's in the government?

Honestly, I don't mind fighting the fight, but when there is a clear and rampant display of totalitarian influence over the public, then what should or could we do to get them to stop sitting with their thumb up their asses and work for the salaries that our hard earned taxes give to them?

I've tried diplomacy, media, pushing my self into the room, the other sectors of the government that does nothing else except endorse you to another sector, filing a petition, calling them out in a rally and so on... Results? NADA!

So what do we do now? Who do we turn to? What comes next after all of this?

Answer: We just keep trying... Sad, but true...

Time to Remember, Time to Ride!!!

2011-11-08T05:33:00.002+08:00

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Final Ride Destination, Rules and Regulations and Agenda:

WHAT: Time to Remember, Time to Ride

When: November 13, 2011

Where: Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite

Group 1 (Main): SM City Fairview Parking Lot (Back area)

Group 2 (Sub): Petron Macapagal avenue

Assembly Group 1: 5:00AM

Assembly Group 2: 6:00AM

Takeoff Group 1: 5:45 – 6:00 AM SHARP

Takeoff Group 2: 6:45 – 7:15 AM (Will gear up and roll out before group one reaches Taft)
Press Conference: To be held upon arrival at the Aguinaldo Shrine

Route:

SM Fairview

Belfast Road

Mindanao Avenue (Neopolitan in Novaliches)

Commonwealth

QC Circle

East Avenue

EDSA (Left at GMA)

Quezon City

Mandaluyong City

Makati City

Pasay City

Macapagal Avenue (Merge with Group 2)

NAIA Road

Imelda Avenue

Ninoy Aquino Avenue

SM City Sucat

C5 Extension Road

Quirino Avenue

Molino Boulevard

Daang Hari

Open Canal

A Bonifacio

General Trias Dr.

Marseilla

Magdiwang Hwy

Tirona Hwy

General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine

Rules and Regulations for Motorcycles:

1. Should be registered and all papers should be brought.

2. All lights (headlight, signal light brake light) should be working and in compliance with the law.

3. Should have a working muffler.

4. Should be free of leaks.

5. Should have a working horn.

6. Should have side mirrors.

7. Should have a side stand.

8. Road worthy tires, properly inflated and checked for possible nails and cracks.

9. Fuel must be filled prior to assembly.

10. Cooling system checked (Engine fan and water for liquid cooled bikes).

11. Brake systems should be checked.

12. Suspension should be checked.

13. Chain and drive belt should be checked.

14. Liquids should be checked (brake fluid, coolant, oil level, etc).

15. No blinkers and wang wang.

16. No flags, banners or posters depicting protest for anything.

17. Flag poles, antennas should be secure.

18. No firearms, sharp blades or objects or deadly weapons.

Rules and Regulations Riders for Riders:

1. Should wear a MOTORCYCLE helmet with a strap and visor or eye protection when visors are not available.

2. Should wear closed shoes (No crocks, slipons, sandals, flipflops, etc.).

3. Long sleeves (jersey, jacket, poloshirt, long sleeve shirt, arm stockings, etc).

4. Should wear gloves for riding.

5. Long pants (jogging pants, slacks, jeans, riding pants, etc).

6. Must be licensed for Restriction 1.

7. Must NOT be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

8. Properly hydrated and moderately full.

9. No children below 9 years old allowed on this ride.

10. 1 backride only.

11. All backrides should comply with the rules stated above except for #6.

Although it is not a requirement of law to wear long sleeves and long pants, we STRONGLY encourage everybody to be on their best gear for rides. We have to show that we are responsible and dedicated enough to be prepared for riding. SAFETY and PROTECTION is one of the keys

Rules and Regulations for the Ride

1. Discipline, Safety and Courtesy should be exercised at all times.

2. Stay on formation always.

3. No passing unless signaled to.

4. No speeding (maintain the speed limit even when catching up with the group).

5. Follow and adhere to the ride pace.

6. No stopping on the middle of the road except for traffic and stop lights.

7. Watch for hand signals (Will be briefing everybody on the assembly and will provide pictures at the end of this post).

8. Maintain 2 bike lengths between bikes.

9. Do not honk your horn unnecessarily.

10. Allow other vehicles to cross between the formation smoothly and without sudden change of speed. Remember, we do not own the road.

11. Indicate potholes, humps, water, dirt, sand, rocks, debris, roadkill with your foot pointing to it.

12. When a hand signal is given, do the same to inform the others in the formation.

13. In case the formation gets split, do not panic or chase after the lead group. Maintain your pace and relax. Allow a ride marshal to go in front of your group to lead.

14. Never ride side by side. Always maintain a staggered formation unless signaled to go single file.

15. Red ribbons will be provided for on the day of the ride. Install the ribbon on your left side mirror without hindering the operation of your motorcycle.

16. Smile to the other road users J.

Rules and Regulations for the Assembly and Landing Zones:

1. Do not leave your trash behind. ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING!

2. Inspect your parking zone before parking.

3. Inspect your parking area before leaving.

4. Follow the Marshal’s instructions at all times.

5. No alcoholic beverages or drugs in the assembly and landing zones.

6. Be at your best behavior at all times. No rowdiness or un necessary noise during assembly and during the landing points.

7. Do not speak to media or enforcement anytime during the ride. Allow the organizer and officials of the ride to do this. This is to avoid miscommunication and misrepresentation that can ruin the purpose of the ride. Comments made by non officials will be considered as personal opinion and will not be considered as an official statement from the group. Your comments, suggestions and opinions will be collected below this thread and will be presented together with the organizer’s official position paper.

8. Please observe the margin of safety when taking pictures and video in these areas.

9. Do not be afraid to approach any of the officials and marshals if you need assistance or would like to ask something.

10. Please watch your belongings. The organizer will not be responsible for loss or damage to personal property.

Weather and Road Conditions

Inclement weather can be disruptive and discomforting. If the weather is too severe, take

shelter. Be extra cautious when rain first begins to fall. The road is slickest at that time. Avoid riding on the “glossy” (oil stained) area of the road at all times, but especially during or after a rain. Stones on the road are dangerous…be careful. Gravel behaves like ball bearings on a hard surface. Avoid potholes when you can safely do so. Potholes can damage bike rims and cause accidents. Signal others with your heel pointing down at road hazards.

Mechanical/Electrical Problems

Mechanical/electrical breakdowns can happen to any motorcycle. Someone will be designated to help, or have someone with a tool kit and cell phone stop to help the problem motorcycle outside of Metro Manila only. While within Metro Manila, you are responsible if you encounter bike problems that require you to stop. Other riders should continue the run.

Accidents

In the event of an accident, pull over with the group. Do not panic stop or rush to the scene.

This may cause more problems. Do not move an injured person or remove their helmet. Do not allow a tow truck to take the downed bike. Locate a safe place to leave the motorcycle until a motorcycle hauler can pick it up.

Security and Parking

Participants in a ride may be required to watch motorcycles (if necessary) for a short time, in pairs. When parking, the leaders should direct the bikes to an area out of the traffic pattern. No one wants their bike side swiped or damaged by passing vehicles. Leaving a parking area should be done

with caution, and consideration of others exiting… blockers may be needed to promote safe egress.

Law Enforcement

If the police or enforcers stop the group, the Spearhead should lead the group to a safe place. Riders should stay in formation (by or on their motorcycle). Allow the officer come to you. The Spearhead should be the only one who approaches the officer and should promptly identify him/herself.

Responsibility

A group, organization, or club is not responsible for accidents, injuries, thefts, etc. Each individual is responsible for any violation of the law. Riders ride at their own risk.

The group should meet before and during the ride regularly to pass along information. If you do not understand something, get clarification.

Experienced riders should get to know riders with whom they are riding. Encourage new riders to be cautious and to ride at the group pace…not unsafely or beyond their personal comfort level.

The group should ride to their destination in formation. If a motorcycle does not wish to stay with the group at the end or during the ride, wait until all bikes are parked before leaving the group.

If you leave your place in the group, re-enter at the rear, in front of the rear Ride Captains.

Riding in an unsafe manner with a group should not be tolerated. The safety of the group is everyone's responsibility. It is a rider’s obligation to report noncompliance of any group-riding rule to a Spearhead or Sweeper… a life may depend on it. Showoffs and hot rods should not ride in a group.

Know and ride by these rules, or do not ride with a group.

Safe riding is a group priority.

Relevant Questions:

What is a safety cushion?

What is the three (3) second rule?

What makes an experienced rider?

How often should you look in your mirror?

How should a Sweeper handle a safety violation?

Is it better to ride in a large group, or several smaller groups with an equal share of experienced riders?

Who is in charge of the ride, and where is the destination (and stops)?

For Ride Marshals, Spearheads and Sweepers:

1. Refelctorized vests is mandatory. If you don’t have one, borrow or just ride with the group and let others do the duty of controlling the ride.
2. Use cellphone headsets for communication purposes. The important numbers to call will be provided for.
3. Install “Marshal” flags on your bikes. Make sure it is secure and will not hinder the operation of your motorcycle.
4. Marshalls must be in the assembly area on or before 4:45AM (Group 1) and 5:45AM (Group 2) for the last pre-ride briefing.
5. No “lagare” style of controlling the group. You must be in formation also.
6. Break away from formation only when necessary (traffic assistance, rider/bike problem, switching from marshal to temporary spearhead, etc.).
7. Traffic marshalls will be with the spearhead and will break off to allow the group to follow through an intersection or to warn other vehicles of the group.
8. Going back to your original position must be done with utmost respect to other vehicles and without over speeding. Be a good example to others.
9. Do not block other traffic when un necessary. We do not own the road. Share it.
10. Assist the other vehicles trying to cross the line. Move in towards the vehicle who has the intention to cross the line and slowly guide the ride group to slow down and allow the other vehicle to cross. Then move into the temporary spearhead position and slowly allow the group to catch up with the lead group.
11. Group 2 will join in from the rear of group 1.
12. Assist in the launch and the egress points.
13. Assist in arranging parking properly.
14. Assist in cleaning up the area where we assemble.
15. Assist ride participants when you can and direct them to the ride officials when needed.
16. Be courteous and smile to all riders as well as other road users J.

Marshal Groups:

Lead group: RFAC (Ride for a Cause)

Sub group 1: NOS (Nouvo Owners Society)

Sub group 2: Team MCP (Marilaque Club of the Philippines)

Sub group 3: RCP (Rouser Club of the Philippines)

- These groups were carefully selected and we would like to ask everybody to respect the marshals, spearheads and sweepers and follow their instruction. If you feel that they have gone beyond their capacity and would like to report it, please don’t hesitate to approach the ride officials listed below.

Secretariat: LMV (Las Marias Viajeras)

- Please look for the pretty ladies of LMV and sign up on the waiver forms when you arrive at the assembly points and the petition document at the end of the ride.

Ride Organizers: MRO (Motorcycle Rights Organization)

MAP (Motorcycle Advocates of the Philippines)

H.E.L.M.E.T. (Help Encourage Lawful Motorcycling Environment Together)

Ride Officials: Jobert Bolanos (MRO/MAP) Group 1 lead

Martin Misa (H.E.L.M.E.T.) Group 2 lead

Ed Tortona (RFAC)

Speedmaniac (RFAC)

Pogikazz (RFAC)

Jiggy (MAP)

Others to be added and announced as needed...

Agenda:

General Purpose of the Ride:

To remind every rider of their main purpose and their reason for riding, may it be a hobby, a passion, a way of life or one’s means to commute. We share the roads with not just fellow riders, but other vehicles and pedestrians as well. How we must maintain discipline, safety and responsibility for our property and when we take on the roads with our motorcycles. How we must be prepared to accept and acknowledge the problems and do our part in helping out in fixing these problems. How we must embrace change and help instill it with every single rider out there.

Facing Reality:

With the rampant growth of the motorcycle population, the government is facing a very difficult and challenging issue. They have to maintain control and keep our roads safe for everybody who uses it. This is not an easy task and our cooperation is imperative to ensure that the measures being done are carried out properly and equally amongst all road users. We must understand that being on the road is not a right, but a privilege. However, we all have the right to achieve that privilege by proving ourselves worthy of the licenses we all carry with us.

Simply put, we have issues surrounding motorcyclists and we have to accept and acknowledge these issues first and foremost. Starting from ourselves, we must practice the proper behavior and discipline on the road and share that with our fellow riders as much as we can. Once we have done what we need to do within our own ranks, we then help the government by being good examples on the road. This is your simple monkey see, monkey do scenario.

However, we are facing legislative issues where our rights are being taken for granted. We must remind the law makers and enforcers to respect and adhere to constitution and the rights granted to us as citizens of the country. We must help them get back to the right path and offer our knowledge and cooperation when necessary and maintain the status quo on the laws that govern all of us. We must report those who enforce and break the laws at the same time so that they can clean up their own ranks as we clean ours.

Official Position Statement:

With that said, we are here not to file protest or regress towards them but, we are here to remind them that we have rights and that we humbly ask them to enforce the existing laws instead of creating new ones. To ask them to follow the old procedures and apply the strict implementation of the existing laws and procedures before and after we acquire our licenses. To let them know that we are here to offer our assistance and cooperation in getting everybody, private, public or government back on the right track. To help remind everybody to adhere to the Constitution and Bill of Rights that guide us all. To help in letting everybody know that we must work together and not against each other. To help remind every single road user to respect others to be respected. To remind everybody that we have rights as they have theirs.

So in the essence of unity and change, we call on every rider to be part of this era to help provide safer roads and equal treatment for all road users. To provide support and offer suggestions during consultation for projects aimed at safety and law and order. To unite the community and advocate discipline, safety and equality for all road users. To show the world that not all riders are irresponsible, careless, undisciplined, criminals and a nuisance on the road. That we can share the road and respect all those who do the same.

And with that said and put aside, let us now start with the long road ahead by stating our opinions and suggestions for the government below. Everything will be compiled and be presented to them when we are given the opportunity to do so. Please keep your posts relevant and diplomatic. The use of profanity and jargon will not be tolerated. If there are questions to be asked, please keep the answers relevant and avoid side comments.

Let me start:

I ask the government to bring back the tight screening of license applicants from the written test and practical exam.

I also ask the enforcement to apply strict enforcement of the existing laws and adhere to them as well.

And finally, i ask the government to create a re-education and information drive that teaches all riders, drivers and pedestrians about the traffic laws, defensive driving/riding, discipline, courtesy and keeping safe on the roads.

We are in need of the ff:

1. 2 Bullhorns
2. Backup vehicle/s (pickup or mini truck)
3. Contacts from the Kawit local government and Police force

If you can provide any of the stuff listed above, please contact me as soon as humanly possible.

09217754388

YM: gmtrueno
Skype: gmtrueno

Thank you!

A re-write: An open letter to all the people in authority...

2011-11-01T14:53:00.002+08:00

To whom it may concern, (Or to whoever cares to listen)

I would like to formally submit our position paper on the current implementation of the “Motorcycle Lanes” in Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and in Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

Let me start by saying that we applaud the intentions of MMDA and the cities involved in making motorcycling safer. And with these intentions, we know that the motorcyclists are in the thoughts and concerns of the government. We have nothing to say, but thank you for that aspect.

The following observations, experiences, facts and suggestions may appear offensive or defensive in nature so I implore upon you to keep an open mind without it being taken the wrong way.

Initial Statement:

The design and implementation of the “Motorcycle Lanes” have raised serious questions as to how it came about, what studies were made and who made those recommendations. We ask this because we want to know the basis of the design and the qualifications of the recommending party on the use and operation of a motorcycle. And with that said, we want to know if these proponents understand the safety aspect surrounding it’s use. We ask this to better understand where they are coming from and hopefully bridge the gaps between their intent and our fears. However, and with all due respect, the office of MMDA chairman has been uncooperative and our cries and hopes of getting an audience with him was either misplaced or ignored.

We also wish to pinpoint some major concerns as to the noticeable treatment of motorcycle riders and how they are prime targets for most enforcement units making them feel segregated and treated as a minority rather than an equally privileged road user.

And more importantly, we wish to address the current dangers that we face while on the “Motorcycle Lane” and how it all boils down to “RISK”. As riders, we understand and accept the risks involved. That is where it all starts. To address that risk, a rider must be ready to take the necessary steps to avoid loosing that margin between safety and un necessary risk that may lead into an accident. That is why, careful and absolute collaboration with all the agencies concerned is incremental in addressing the problem. Band aid solutions only offer momentary results, but it will not solve the issue in it’s entirety.

Why Motorcycles:

As far as motorcycle goes, the main reasons why people are leaning towards them can be attributed to these aspects:

Economy – Motorcycles are cheap and is a cost effective mode of transportation compared to public transport.
Ease of use – The operation of a motorcycle, particularly scooters and underbones have been made or designed in such a way that it becomes simple and easy for almost anybody.
Getting from point A to point B – The time spent by a motorcycle has been cut drastically that they are almost impervious to traffic. This gives the rider more time to spend doing something more important rather than wasting it while being stuck in traffic.
Ability to maneuver and avoid obstacles – Because of the size and maneuverability of motorcycles, they have the ability to avoid obstructions, obstacles and contact with debris, pedestrians and other vehicles that may cause an accident. That maneuverability also allows them to filter through and ease the congestion of travelling vehicles in traffic.
Environment – The emissions and carbon footprint left by motorcycles is, in concept, smaller than the other vehicles It uses less fuel and cut’s down the congestion that leads to more harmful air pollution.

With the same “why” question and because of the points stated, the growth of the motorcycling population has blown to immense proportions that it has been a great challenge to keep up with. And with that growth, and due to the underlying factors that surround the risk of being a motorcycle rider, accidents will rise with that growth as people will find themselves in situations that will lead into mishaps.

Furthermore, in spite these advantages, the very reason stated with #4 is also the primary reason why it is the tool of choice for criminals. This is a sad fact for all riders and we overwhelmingly feel the burden and pressure from law and traffic enforcement by the way we are treated on the road. Not to mention the way other road users regard us.

In that regard, we are subject to undue profiling because of those bed elements who choose to perpetrate crimes with the use of these machines. However, and let me emphasize, it is not the fault of the motorcycle, rather, it is the fault of the person who operates it. So my question is, why do we, as motorcycle users, have to carry the burden of these crimes that we are innocent of? Why are we treated with such disrespect that we are placed under assumption of evil and crime? What happened to being “innocent until proven guilty” and the “equal protection of the laws” as stated in the Bill of Rights? The clear strangle being applied upon us has been attributed to crime time and again. We are not criminals. We should not bear the problems associated with criminals. Instead, let us help our enforcement deal with them rather than being treated as victims of circumstance.

Risk:

Motorcycles need to have the ability to move about to avoid any obstacles and contact with other vehicles or objects. If you enclose or restrict that ability, that eliminates the capacity of movement making their chances of getting through the possible dangers smaller.

Just from the start of the implementation of the “motorcycle lane”, there has been three recorded motorcycle accidents within the designated lane or trying to get to it for fear of being tagged with a violation. As of this writing, there are already more than 10 accidents that have been recorded by witness accounts on www.motorcyclephilippines.com and on FB. A good number of these accidents are being ignored or covered up by MMDA and have only been reporting the ones that are documented by media. This raises more questions and concerns.

We also have documented numerous accounts of near collisions and brushes with other vehicles that enter or stop in the lane without fear or remorse of hitting a motorcycle or vice versa within the designated lane.

Confining the motorcycle in the designated lane has increased the risk involved by ten fold. Let me cite the reasons why:

The lane is supposedly shared with private vehicles. That is already the case even before the lane was implemented. Putting them in a single lane with other vehicles only absorbs their chances of creating a safety margin between themselves and other vehicles, pedestrians and obstructions by more than 75% the prescribed minimum if other vehicles are allowed into that confined space. Removing that confinement gives back that margin of safety as they can move about whenever another vehicle comes too close or a pedestrian or obstruction comes in their way.
We know that buses, jeeps and other public utility vehicles must be confined within the yellow lane. However, and as seen on photographs and videos taken before and after the implementation, they have been moving to, beyond and across the lane freely and with hardly any apprehension from the enforcement. That lack of control over the public utility vehicles is a major risk that can mean limb and worse, life.
Imposing a 100 meter rule for the motorcycles to move out of their lane to cross 4 other lanes to get to a u-turn slot is near impossible. It can only happen when there are hardly any other vehicles along the road or if the rider attempts an extremely dangerous maneuver across the highway. 100 meters is only 2 posts away and it is an extremely short distance to even attempt to cross safely with the other vehicles on the road. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the minimum requirement for a vehicle to exit out of 3 or more lanes to an off ramp or to a turn is at least 300 meters.
The proposed plan of putting barricades to confine the motorcycles in a single lane or placing them anywhere in the road for that matter is equally risky and dangerous as a slight move can mean imminent contact between the barrier and the motorcycle or other vehicles. And since the mishap can turn into an immediate obstruction to the oncoming vehicles, they are also prone to getting involved if they don't stop in time. Then there’s the other vehicles coming from behind that may cause a separate collision altogether. Unless the lane is made wide enough that there is a margin of safety for both sides without loosing the ability to pass other vehicles, then this idea is not advisable. The same applies to tire stops or any type of barrier that restricts the vehicles from crossing it in case of an emergency.
The lack of signages, road markings and road preparation should have been prioritized before the implementation of the “Motorcycle lane”. It should have not started after it’s initial dry run as it only proves the lack or preparation and study made for it’s implementation. Not to mention the lack of preparation on the side of Macapagal where pictures and videos before and after the implementation started shows dirt, pebbles, rocks, puddles, potholes, barriers, parked vehicles, terminals and what not are in the way of the “Motorcycle Lane”. This is again, considered as obstructions that may cause accidents and tremendous amounts of risk for the motorcycle riders.
Most riders on the road today have admitted to not knowing the rules and regulations for traffic and has even less knowledge in the proper operation of motorcycles. Based on scientific, practical and safety studies made by AMA and MSF, a motorcycle is not safe if they ride side by side especially if the lane confines them within a limited space. With the lack of knowledge and education for riders, this makes it highly risky and with the volume of riders, even more riskier.

In that light, allow me to quote Steve Guderian of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority & Motorcycle Safety Consulting and author of “Lane Sharing, A Global Solution for Motorcycle Safety”.

Lane-sharing is a safety technique that can positively affect all riders regardless of the type of motorcycle ridden or the riding style applied. This makes outreach or education programs easier to disseminate to the riding community. Furthermore, lane-sharing will likely have strong support within the riding community.

It is important to note that like all driving actions it is possible to lane-share in an unsafe manner. It is not the purpose of this paper to discuss these actions or how to safely lane share. These actions can be addressed in a program or study that evaluates lane-sharing as a safety-countermeasure. It is also important to note that any governmental entity that evaluates lane-sharing as a safety measure can also enact restrictions or permissions, and conduct a safety campaign to promote lane-sharing. Additionally, the author realizes this paper leaves many questions unanswered and raises additional questions. These unanswered questions are best discussed in a forum or meeting on lane-sharing.

Implications:

With risk, comes implications. It the world of vehicles, this can vary from a simple fender-bender to a fatal accident that can cause one to lose his/her life. These implications must be weighed out carefully and extensively to find a common ground where risk is at it’s minimum and safety at it’s maximum capacity. All conditions which may include, but is not limited to rider/driver/pedestrian behaviour, discipline, infrastructure, obstruction and what not must be discussed by all possible stakeholders and not just one body or a few proponents. Moreso, experts must be called in to provide very crucial input to ensure the best consensus.

The recent implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane” has disregarded some major implications based on it’s design and unclear rules. Nevertheless, it is not too late to bring this idea back to the table in order for us to figure out what is best before taking any action or implementation.

Part of the implications that we would like to address is the fact that not all motor vehicle operators, private and public, has been given enough briefing on the rules surrounding the “Motorcycle Lane”. It is, but fair to all road users that they understand and know what they can and cannot do around this lane.

So far, and with all due respect, this was not carried out to be even near satisfaction. All we see are riders being flagged down and told what they have to do while other vehicles are hardly being told anything.

With the introduction of the said “Motorcycle Lane” and in the lines of equality, it should have also been top priority to reinforce the existing laws and regulations for ALL vehicles and not just motorcycles.

This treatment leaves a sour taste and implies prejudice towards motorcycle users yet again.

Legislative Requirements:

Based on public statements, I understand that this was made out of an ordinance promulgated by Quezon City and Pasay. We would like to see the said ordinance and have this published so that everybody is aware of the basis of the “Motorcycle Lane”

I do have a few questions regarding the two roads being used as the testing grounds for the dedicated lanes:

According to the Quezon City DPOS office, Commonwealth Avenue has been declared as a National Road and it’s jurisdiction and policy making body should be with the LTO and/or DOTC being the agency with the mandate and authority to create and implement new traffic, road and vehicular laws for everything under the National level. Ordinances are not supposed to supersede National Law, is that right?

Given that Quezon City still has the right to dictate the traffic law on Commonwealth Avenue, Who creates the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the ordinance? As mentioned on the start of this paper, it will give us a clear understanding of the basis and where the proponents are coming from.

Every piece of legislation, ruling or policy being implemented must have a corresponding Implementing Rules and Regulations, is that right? Where is the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the “Motorcycle Lane” so that we may clearly understand the rules and restrictions of it’s use.

Was there a public hearing for the “Motorcycle Lane” prior to its implementation? If so, who were present, invited and expected to be part of the hearing? The riding public is not made out of one or a few organization/s, one or a few group/s, one or a few manufacturer/s, or a few known motorcycle personalities should it? As far as we understand, the general riding public, should have been given an invite to this public hearing on the implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane” as we are all stake holders by right.

Why wasn’t the rules for all public and private vehicles reinforced during the announcement of the “Motorcycle Lane”? This would have been more ideal because, it would prepare the public vehicle sector and it would serve as their warning that any public utility vehicle crossing the yellow lane will be apprehended accordingly. This way, the implementing body can also show everybody that there are rules and regulations for all vehicles and not just motorcycles. Again, this causes an ill feeling of prejudice against motorcycle users. In fact, it should be reinforced and enforced on a daily basis and not just for the purpose of the implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane”.

We strongly believe that strict implementation of the existing laws, if carried out accordingly, is enough to keep everybody in check and would promote discipline amongst all road users. However, it is evident that there are challenges in carrying out the existing laws to the point that a vast number of road users get away with simple to grave violations of the traffic laws. That being the case, any additional law, regulation or implementation will meet numerous challenges and prevent it’s success simply because the basic and existing laws cannot be carried out properly and extensively. What made them think that a new law can solve all the problems on the road? This is a prime example of re-inventing the wheel so to speak.

With that said, we want to be sure that we all share the equal protection of the laws, we are not unduly profiled, we are not being treated with prejudice and discrimination.

The lack of existing law reinforcement creates a very vague picture of the law and is prone to subjective apprehensions which we all feel and as a matter of fact, very abundant. Sadly, a number of enforcers interprets the law in such a way that he does not even know the difference between apprehending a motorcycle avoiding a vehicle that cuts across his designated lane and apprehending the vehicle for cutting the path of the motorcycle. With the existing laws in place and being enforced diligently, everybody will be on the same page and nobody will cry foul as the existing laws are made to be just, simple and without prejudice towards anybody.

Root Cause Analysis:

There are three very important components of the RCA that was done recently. This addresses the issues of discipline accidents and crime. However, what has been happening is, we pass the burden and the restrictions on the end users as if they are the ones being punished for the lack thereof. These aspects are:

Licensing – We all know that operating a vehicle on the road is a privilege. With that privilege, comes great responsibility. That responsibility should be properly screened and driven into the heads of each applicant. The standard procedure as mandated by law undergo written and practical tests before an individual passes for a license. This is no longer being practiced diligently. Applying stricter licensing measures will weed out the non-trained and non-educated rider and driver. Thus allowing the government the much needed control over the road users and their riding/driving habits.
Education – The reason why a lot of people don't follow the traffic law is because they don't know what they are. Prior to licensing, everybody should undergo traffic law training so that they are made aware of the rules of the road. Riding and driving certification should be made more stringent when applying for a license. Mandating may be a tad too harsh, but for those who have gone through driving and riding school, are automatically considered for licenses while those who have not taken any education courses on riding or driving, should pass the written and practical exams made for licensing. Part of education should be the promotion of safe, defensive and advanced riding/driving methods that will help in empowering every road user so that they take the necessary precautions and make the best decisions when encountering an emergency on the road.
Enforcement – This is crucial to the maintenance of discipline on the road. Visibility is not enough. Each enforcer should be diligent and dedicated to catching would be violators in order to maintain order and discipline on the streets. However, if the enforcer themselves break the very law they enforce, it sends a negative message to the public. They should lead by example while they promote safety, discipline and peaceful use of the roads. If there are strict implications to those who violate the law, those enforcing it should be given higher penalties and more effective punishment methods to ensure that the watchers of the road are free from corruption.

Having all three aspects work together is enough to solve the problems of the street. When the public sees how well the process is being followed, they will fall into their rightful place.

This hits the tip of the iceberg, the core and the root cause of the problem altogether. And once it is done, we will see better roads and road users.

Closing Statement:

We humbly ask your kind office, being the one in charge of the implementers of the “Motorcycle Lane” to help us in getting them to reconsider this plan and bring it back to the table before people get hurt or worse, before people lose their lives. This experiment deals with human life and limb. Let us not wait until the road users relax and get into their comfort zone again that may lead into a mishap on the “Motorcycle Lane”. There is just too much risk involved. We cannot just sit and watch for this experiment to work or fail as each life, whether big or small, is worth more than any amount or any projects success or failure. Currently, the accidents happening are showing more of what we fear and the people directly involved are getting more impatient, scared, emotional and rowdy. We do not want them to take on the streets in protest.

We would also like to be informed, considered and take part in the policy building, future programs, implementation of projects and other endeavours so that we can provide the additional, if not, necessary input from “real” everyday riders. There is a huge difference between your hobbyists, Sunday riders and your working class, “daily” riders. Each opinion, suggestion and even every contradiction can mean the world of difference between experimenting with lives and the effectiveness of these programs to create a better riding/driving experience for all motorists and pedestrians. We should all work together and not work against each other and in order to do that, we should make sure that everybody is given a fair chance to be heard and be properly represented.

I have bumped heads with my constituents between waiting on them to heed to our cries and calls, taking it on the streets in protest and/or addressing the issue legaly, which we regretfully have decided on doing. And in the process, we beaten ourselves up for filing the case against the “Motorcycle Lane’s” implementation, but it was necessary as we are getting nowehere in our attempts to bridge the gaps and protect the rights of everybody concerned.

Issues and problems can be given solutions that works both ways and with minimal resistance from the people. We can offer our research and capacity to gather much needed opinion and feedback from the riding public and come up with a bucket load of suggestions that can help us build the ideal scenario that will be more acceptable for everybody concerned.

We would also like to state that before the departments take on any organization’s word that they represent the whole community, please have them think again. There are countless people here who oppose this idea because of the obvious dangers that can be seen and felt by the very riders who use these roads daily.

We wish that the departments responsible for these programs to give respect to every body's point of view, opinion and experience when it comes to the real dangers of the road. We wish for the implementing agency to listen, ask and show respect to ALL riders and not just the people who say or claim that they represent the entire community. We wish that we all come to terms with the real problems and dangers that surround our community. We wish that the departments responsible lead us in being a united community and not divide us from the rest of the road users. We wish we are just saying this out of emotion. Sad to say that we are not. We wish that we are only basing this on mere hearsay. We are distraught to say that we are not.

And our message to the people who say this is better for everybody concerned, their opinion is only based on their lack of riding experience with the REAL dangers of the roads. We cant say that we blame them for what they do not know and what they do not see from within the eyes of the riders who ply these roads daily. We just hope that someday, we all come to terms that we all share the road and we all have to ride and drive together inevitably.

We want to avoid all unnecessary conflict and prevent undue resistance from either side that can disrupt and affect the progress of all safety initiatives by the government and the private sector. We also want to let it be known that we, with due respect to the parties concerned, wanted to avoid legal action as a result of our rights being strangled and our safety being risked.

Please hear the voices of the people who the people in authority have sworn to serve.

Thank you and God Bless us all.

Jobert Christian G. Bolanos

Motorcycle Rights Organization

Motorcycle Advocates of the Philippines

www.motorcyclephilippines.com

MRO Emergency meeting

2011-10-26T18:47:00.002+08:00

Meeting: MRO Emergency meeting

When: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Where: QCHERA Parking area (Parking Lot beside QC hall Post Office) TENTATIVE LOCATION
Time: 6:00 PM

This is an open invitation to all riders, orgs, federations and clubs

Agenda:

Meeting on Saturday for updates on the current case and TRO filed and the discussion regarding the registration of MRO.

Appointment of MRO officers will also be discussed.

Main Agenda is the Time to Remember, Time to Ride event that is taking place on Nov 13.

Other issues

Please be guided accordingly...

Thank you!

Calling on everybody... It is time to ride!

2011-10-26T10:32:00.000+08:00

Sa mga kapatid kong nais mapakinggan o mabasa ang aking saloobin at balita sa salitang tagalog, humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa inyo sapagkat hindi pa po ako masyadong kampante na maibibigay ko ang nais kong ihatid na mensahe sa sariling wika natin... Aaminin ko na isa itong matinding pag kukulang subalit nais kong intindihin nyo na iniiwasan kong ma misinterpret ang aking sinasabi... Ginagawa ko po ang lahat para matutunan ang ating sariling wika sa lalong madaling panahon para sa pag hatid ng mga balita at kuro kuro... Maraming salamat po...

Before anything else, let me quote and remind everybody about an open letter that I wrote 3 years ago when MRO was conceived...

Quote:
An open letter and a call for unity... By: Jobert Bolanos (aka click_me) - 2008

At the end of the day... As we have gone through all the work, research, information gathering, conversations with individuals, meetings with the groups, the workshop, the slap on the face, the positive and negative reactions and statements, the rumors, the rifts and the actual events that transpired, we are all for one thing... To be as one big community that enjoys our passion, livelihood and the roads...

I don't care about what this or that person says about each other and how things become a big stand off... The goal is the same... One thing is evident... Before we can even be effective in reaching our goal, we have to set aside our differences and our problems towards each other... We all want the same thing... The freedom to live and ride...

We are not doing this for glory or for acknowledgment... Were doing this because we owe it to society and to the community who has led us into the passion of feeling the wind in our faces as we ride...

Now that we are facing this hurdle, we should not look into making each other look bad or saying stuff to discredit each other... The more we do this, the more we destroy our only chance of reaching the goal that we are after...

My call to every single person who rides their motorcycle is to set aside our differences and lets work to achieve what we are all after... Equality, Freedom and Safety on the streets... We owe it to ourselves and everybody around us...

So my dear brothers and sisters, hear me out... Let us unite and work as one... No more rumors, no more shenanigans, no more agendas and no more pointing of fingers... We are a community... We should act towards the same goal and not against each other...

I made mistakes myself and I said some things that were totally uncalled for... I thought of and assumed many things as I went along my way... I am not trying to clean my hands of the dirt that I speak of... In fact, I am apologizing for the wrong things that I have done... I am not trying to seek sympathy... I am merely asking for everybody to sit back, think and ask your self why are we here... What are we after... Personally, I am here because of one thing... I am here because I love to ride and I don't want anybody or anything to stop me from doing what I love...

So for the sake of everybody and the people surrounding us, let us unite and help each other to take back what is rightfully ours with out stepping on anybody's toes...

We are riders... We will prevail...

There was a post on the thread where this open letter belonged to that there will always be a difference in opinions... I have learned that in the last three years and I continue to realize that up until this day...

It saddens me on how bad it looks from outside the community... It has always been the outlook of people who do not ride to look at us with a negative demeanor... And with the rifts between us becoming more and more evident, the more that we project ourselves as an unruly group...

I wish to send this message out to everybody...

A lot of the things that has been said and thrown at my face as well as MRO as an organization may be derogatory and painful to say the least... And I understand and respect everybody's opinion in the matter whether it comes from those who support us or the other group... People are entitled to that... Albeit most people don't really understand or know the true story behind it all, the society is driven by what they choose to believe whether or not it is fact or lies...

With that said, let me ask you this... Besides the queries or questions we asked in line with the issues in front of us and in the times that we are going through, have you seen or heard us push back and fight with words or statements that are perceived as negative towards the other group? Have you seen or heard us mention names and belittle character and image? Do you ever think of the reason why we remain silent and oblivious to the "paninira, threats and slander"?

Let me state the reason why...

It is simply because we still share a common interest... Riding...

And in that common interest, the battles from within eats away from that common interest that holds and binds us as a whole... The battles from within does not help us get rid of the negativity that is being put on our heads and masks out true intentions...

In fact, these battles, after the day is over, only made matters worse... Not for us, not for them, but for everybody else...

The real battle is out there... Not within the community... We need to protect ourselves from the mistakes and misconceptions on motorcycles and the unfair, undue and ignorant regulations and legislation that they create for us because they think that it can help us or it is best for us... We, the riders can be the only judge of that... And even if we are the ones who can tell whats best for us, still does not make us impervious to mistakes of our own... That is the human factor that each and everyone carries with them... It is in our ability to learn from those mistakes and make better solutions that benefits not just us, but everybody else for that matter...

Being on the road is a privilege... It is not a right... The right that we have is the right to obtain that privilege given that we prove that we are deserving as riders, drivers and as pedestrians... We have to show them that we truly deserve that right and that we, as riders, can be better than what we are now...

Let's not wait till we are given enough reason to give up riding... Before they strangle our community enough that riding is no longer enjoyable... Lets not wait till they dictate every single thing that we do, wear, use, go to and what not...

Now, with all that has been said and done, we have to remember why we are all here... What brought us together... What fired up our pride to stand up and fight for our rights... We have to ride...

CALLING ON A RIDE ON NOVEMBER 13, 2011 - No politics, no rifts, no differences, no drama and no bullshit...

Planning and details will be posted on this thread as we come closer to the day of the ride...

Riders who understand what has just been said and would like to set aside the differences and the arguments and become members of a society brought together for a common purpose, please sign your commitment to join below:

1. Jobert Bolanos aka click_me

Pass, Share, Like, Tweet, Link and let the message span across the archipelago...

No LAW on wearing shorts!

2011-10-25T16:33:00.002+08:00

Earlier today, during an ambush interview with UKG, I recall Chairman Tolentino saying live that they are implementing the rules and regulations in the operation of motorcycles from back in 2008 from the LTO... I assume that this is AHS-2008-015...

He mentioned that they are apprehending motorcyclists without helmets, wearing slippers and wearing shorts per the law passed back then...

The regulation that came out during that time was the original anti-modification law that was later suspended in the same year...

According to the documents, (AHS-2008-015 as amended by AHS-2008-001) There is no requirements for pants or shorts however, you need to wear your helmet and shoes at all times....

Original law that was suspended:

http://www.lto.gov.ph/fines_and_penalties/Administrative_011510.pdf

The amendment to the law above:

http://www.lto.gov.ph/fines_and_penalties/Memorandum_011510.pdf

MMDA strikes again for wrongful and illegal apprehension based on non-existent laws...

Please double check his interview and kindly quote him saying the basis of the shorts in the law they are implementing...

I feel bad for the people they already apprehended... I am currently calling all the media connections we have collected to inform them about this...

[ANC Mornings] Some motorcycle riders are protesting the MMDA's motorcycle lane policy

2011-10-25T15:56:00.001+08:00

Thank you ANC and thank you Pinky Webb for hearing us out and letting us hear our sentiments and position in the newly implemented Motorcycle Lane.

This shows to prove that fair and unbiased journalism is still around and we are thankful to have found it here on ANC and with Ms. Pinky Webb.

Please join me in thanking the crew and Ms Pinky Webb here:

http://www.facebook.com/ANCalerts

Less accidents during the implementation? Think again...

2011-10-25T15:02:00.000+08:00

Best view I heard so far in regard to the difference of number of accidents from before and during the MC lane:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymous...
Hi jobert,
I support you in your cause. maybe you can look into this angle. it is possible that the accident rate this last week is not solely attibuted to the motorcycle lane but maybe because MMDA personels are doing thier job. All of them are scattered around, even thier boses are on the field. they are imposing discpline which is thier job. the results of the first weeks of the 60 KPH (imposed also in commonwelth and macapagal), looks successfull, however as i can see from news, it looks to me that the incidents are back to normal. BTW i'm not sure about this cause I just beased this on the every day news, but hofefully its not cause we dont want such to happen. I'm just thinking that reviewing the statistic may help. Maybe its possible that the drop of number of accidents is not purely because of bringing up the motorcycle lane but rather maybe because MMDA is strictly inforcing traffic rules, and they are visible on the road.

Thanks.

On that note,

let me point out that there are at least 5 recorded accidents since the start of the MC lane... The others, as it seems, were omitted in the statements during the interview...

Let me also share with you that the MMDA's official statement on the girl that got hit with the SUV was that she had no headlights when the incident happened.

On the videos, it shows that it was a brand new Suzuki Skydrive... Take note that these scooters have AHO (Automatic Headlight On), which means, it is impossible that the scooter had no lights on...

The Sad facts about the issues that surround motorcycling today...

2011-10-25T11:48:00.001+08:00

[QUOTE=fireblade from MCP] Jobert, they will definitely hit you with your weaknesses. Also, I agree with the use of numbers (verified) to back up claims. It will be very hard to present a case with only rhetorics and statements without basis.

I am not sure where I stand with this MC lane a this point. One thing good though is there is some semblance of discipline that can be seen. Good or bad, there is discipline and it will help the image of the MC riders eventually. How I hated Martial Law based on stories, but now I sorely miss it due to what I see everyday.

Yes, there is no discipline and no sure formula to cure this. But this so called band aid remedies might just help do the trick if you see small results or baby steps gained. Look at it this way, with what they are imposing, there are now many enforcers which kinda scares away our riders. This is what we want given what we have done.

Again, twas the MC dealers who offered MCs to anyone. Second, twas the LTO who made all riders pass the DL exams. Third, our government is not ready to face the upswing on MC riders. Fourth, we can not fight for everyone.

Bets to choose the battles.

These are all sad facts of motorcycling...

However, you do not impose the burden on the end user when they are not the ones accountable for the governments lack of control over their responsibilities...

We are all entitled to the equal protection of the laws... Without it, prejudice, biased opinion and discrimination will grow and spin out of control as well... If we allow that to happen, then you can say and tell every single rider that we, only have ourselves to blame...

How much of the Government's initiatives lasted to acceptable and considerable effects? I fear that the weakness in general of the riding public in terms of knowledge, access to information and the voice to be heard will be used against them unless something is done about it...

We know and acknowledge the problems that we have... And we cannot allow them to resort to totalitarian rule over the citizens who are only trying to live their lives with their right to use their property and travel to and from work...

Anyway...

We shall be provided with the copy of the dialogue with Pinky Webb on ANC...

Official position paper of MRO and MAP:

http://bikerpinoy.blogspot.com/2011/10/official-mro-and-map-position-paper-on.html

You may now donate via credit card on MRO's official Paypal account.

2011-10-24T21:40:00.001+08:00

Please click the donate button on this page.

If you don't have a PayPal account, simply locate this on the donation screen and click on continue:

Thank you for your support!!!

MRO is now accepting donations for it's operational costs

2011-10-24T21:36:00.001+08:00

It has long been an argument as to how MRO will generate it's operating costs since we had made a firm stand that we will never accept membership fees to accumulate funds. It has to come from the heart and willfully given to make it's purpose more meaningful.

The funds will be appropriated for the operational costs of the organization. A board shall be formed and they will vote on the expenditures that we entail. 5 board members shall be put in place and 3 votes approves the use of the funds.

There will be running balance made on a weekly basis with or without any funds being used. That way, all members will be aware of where and when these funds are used.

Operational costs includes, but is not limited to:
1. Printing of internal documents such as letters, position papers, research, and data files
2. Xerox/duplication of external documents, propaganda, fliers, brochures, stickers and other print media for distribution or filing (research material)
3. Food and drinks for research sessions, creation of petitions, position papers, seminars and officers meetings.
4. Production of t-shirts, stickers, tarpulin, jackets, vests, caps, pins and the likes for distribution.
5. Filing of legal documents on courts.
6. Payment for legal services acquired.
8. Payment for delivery or shipping services acquired.
9. Payment for secretarial or administrative services acquired.
10. Fuel fund for official MRO business/travel.
11. Other expenditures as approved by the board.

Upcoming expenditures:

1. TRO for Motorcycle Lane
2. Initial order of T-shirts
3. Initial order of Stickers
4. Tarpulin for events and meetings

You may send your donations, pledges and pre order payment for shirts and stickers (pending design approval) to:

Unionbank account #: 109451180707 (Jobert G. Bolanos)

After you made your deposit, please send an email to mro@motorcyclephilippines.com

Subject: MRO funds

Body:
Name of sender:
Deposit number:
Time sent:
Date sent:
Amount:
Purpose:

If you do not receive a reply email in 24 hours, please text the same details to 09217754388...

All deposits, pledges and payment for t-shirts/stickers will be posted on the official MRO Funds thread for visibility...

If you wish to be anonymous, please indicate on the body of the email and your name shall reflect "Anonymous donor"...

Frank Woolf, Founder of Motorcycle Philippines and the first Freedom Rider...

2011-10-22T16:09:00.002+08:00

Just had a 35 minute conversation with the Grand Daddy of MCP, Frank Woolf... It was like Moses talking to God... Albeit I am no Moses, It made me feel good about what I am doing for the riding community... Thank you Frank!!!

This is it!!! MRO Meeting tomorrow!!!

2011-10-21T18:27:00.000+08:00

After a very long night, still sleep deprived and almost senseless, I got up this morning and found my self working hard to battle the people who are strangling motorcycles...

Needless to say, I have decided to forgive all those who have sent hurtful messages my way... I have decided to do what I have started... I have decided that I cannot leave the people, no matter how many or how small they are... If they need me, I will be there...

This thread has given me the moral boost I needed from the longest night of my life... Thank you guys! Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

With that said, I would like to correct my self from what I have been saying lately... MRO is not a one man show... The things I do, I do because of the support given and received... MRO is not just me... It is you, them, the cagers, bus drivers, jeepney drivers, pedestrians and anybody who uses the road... They are all part of MRO... We do this because we fight for equality... Equality that everybody should attain and enjoy... Equality that our constitution has guaranteed each and every Filipino...

Today, I have gone through hell and heaven...

I started the day picking up the clothes from outside the house (the commander got mad last night and almost threw me out of the house :O) and taking the family to a hearty Sisig and Sizzling tuna belly lunch at Parilla (bati na kami ulet). As we were eating, GMA7 called and invited me to do an interview for Reporters Notebook. I obliged and set off to meet with them after lunch.

The interview was not to long nor too short, but I was able to say what I wanted to say about prejudice, unfair profiling, putting the burden on the end user for the enforcement's accountability and how riders are being discriminated... I was fairly satisfied, but I will hold my breath until it comes out.

Anyway, before the interview started, the much awaited call came... What I... Let me rephrase that... What we have been waiting for is done...

So right after a few outside shots of me riding my scooter, I waved the camera crew goodbye and set off to meet with another group that holds the holy grail of our cause...

I do not need to expound on what it is... I will just let the image do the talking...

Care to ride with me on Monday to deliver this to the Quezon City Hall of Justice?

Let's talk about this on tomorrow's meeting...

MRO MEETING re: MC LANE

Date: October 22, 2011
Time: 6PM
Place: Shell J.Vargas
EVERYBODY IS INVITED. AND I MEAN EVERYBODY. EVEN THE ONES SAYING STUFF ABOUT ME.

Bring tissue because I may breakdown again like what happened in the speech I gave during the Freedom Park motorcade... :nuts:

Again, thank you for all the support and see you tomorrow!

Blame the rider? Is it fair?

2011-10-20T11:36:00.000+08:00

You follow even if it is your life on the line?

You follow even if they will only screw you from behind?

Just because they say, we just follow?

I would rather fight for my right, your right and the right of everybody concerned...

They are not always right and they need to be reminded of that...

Hindi ako tatayo na lang sa isang tabi at hahayaan kong itaya nila ang buhay ng tao para lang sa isang BUTAS na panukala...

I want my first right... Equal protection of the laws... EQUAL... Tell me, where is the equality in this? They can cite all the reasons they want, accidents, life, crime... Point is, we are still entitled to the EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS... We are not guilty of anything until we are proven guilty... They cannot simply say or order us to stay in that deathtrap of a lane just because of un disciplined riders... It's like we take the fall for the deed of others...

If they see people doing wrong things, BAKIT DI NILA HULIHIN?!? Bakit sa atin ipapatong ang kabuuhang parusa? Anong tawag don?

Hindi nila kayang ayusin ang batas trapiko... Hinidi nila kayang ipatupad... Hindi nila kayang hulihin ang dapat hulihin... Bakit tayo ang kailangang managot?!?

Again, risk entails control... remove control, you add risk... You want them to risk you so that they can cover up for their shortcomings?

Eto dapat sa Pilipinas... Strict enforcement of all the existing laws... Strict screening and testing of all license applications... Educate the rider/driver before letting him out on the street... Panghabang buhay na solusyon yan...

Ang MC lane, hanggat bida pa sa balita yan... Pero pag nawala na din ang gana ng mga nanghuhuli, magiging yellow lane na lang din yan na di sinusunod ng mga dapat sumunod...

Patupad muna nila ang dapat nilang patupad bago sila mag dagdag ng kung ano ano... Palpak sa una, palpak sa iba... Ano sa tingin mo mangyayari dito kung di pa nga maayos ang ibang bagay ay sasabayan mo agad ng ganito?

Kung di nila kaya ang trabaho nila, WAG NILANG IPASA SA TAO ANG KAKULANGAN NILA!

Official MRO and MAP Position paper on the Motorcycle Lanes...

2011-10-19T17:13:00.000+08:00

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN
HON. FRANCIS N. TOLENTINO

MMDA

Mr. Chairman,

I would like to formally submit our position paper on the current implementation of the “Motorcycle Lanes” in Commonwealth Avenue and in Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

Let me start by saying that we applaud your intentions of making motorcycling safer. And with these intentions, we know that the motorcyclists are in your thoughts and concerns. We have nothing to say, but thank you for that aspect.

The following observations, experiences, facts and suggestions may appear offensive or defensive in nature so I implore upon you to keep an open mind without it being taken the wrong way.

Initial Statement:

The design and implementation of the “Motorcycle Lanes” have raised serious questions as to how it came about, what studies were made and who made those recommendations. We ask this because we want to know the basis of the design and the qualifications of the recommending party on the use and operation of a motorcycle. And with that said, we want to know if these proponents understand the safety aspect surrounding it’s use. We ask this to better understand where you are coming from and hopefully bridge the gaps between your intent and our fears.

And most importantly, we wish to address the current dangers that we face while on the “Motorcycle Lane” and how it all boils down to “RISK”. As riders, we understand and accept the risks involved. That is where it all starts. To address that risk, a rider must be ready to take the necessary steps to avoid loosing that margin between safety and un necessary risk that may lead into an accident. That is why, careful and absolute collaboration with all the agencies concerned is incremental in addressing the problem. Band aid solutions only offer momentary results, but it will not solve the issue in it’s entirety.

Why Motorcycles:

As far as motorcycle goes, the main reasons why people are leaning towards them can be attributed to these aspects:

Economy – Motorcycles are cheap and is a cost effective mode of transportation compared to public transport.
Ease of use – The operation of a motorcycle, particularly scooters and underbones have been made or designed in such a way that it becomes simple and easy for almost anybody.
Getting from point A to point B – The time spent by a motorcycle has been cut drastically that they are almost impervious to traffic. This gives the rider more time to spend doing something more important rather than wasting it while being stuck in traffic.
Ability to maneuver and avoid obstacles – Because of the size and maneuverability of motorcycles, they have the ability to avoid obstructions, obstacles and contact with debris, pedestrians and other vehicles that may cause an accident. That maneuverability also allows them to filter through and ease the congestion of travelling vehicles in traffic.
Environment – The emissions and carbon footprint left by motorcycles is, in concept, smaller than the other vehicles It uses less fuel and cut’s down the congestion that leads to more harmful air pollution.

In that regard, we are subject to undue profiling because of those bed elements who choose to perpetrate crimes with the use of these machines. However, and let me emphasize, it is not the fault of the motorcycle, rather, it is the fault of the person who operates it. So my question is, why do we, as motorcycle users, have to carry the burden of these crimes that we are innocent of? Why are we treated with such dis respect that we are placed under assumption of evil and crime? What happened to being “innocent until proven guilty” and the “equal protection of the laws” as stated in the Bill of Rights? The clear strangle being applied upon us has been attributed to crime time and again. We are not criminals. We should not bear the problems associated with criminals. Instead, let us help our enforcement deal with them rather than being treated as victims of circumstance.

Risk:

Confining the motorcycle in the designated lane has increased the risk involved by ten fold. Let me cite the reasons why:

The lane is supposedly shared with private vehicles. That is already the case even before the lane was implemented. Putting them in a single lane with other vehicles only absorbs their chances of creating a safety margin between themselves and other vehicles, pedestrians and obstructions by more than 75% the prescribed minimum if other vehicles are allowed into that confined space. Removing that confinement gives back that margin of safety as they can move about whenever another vehicle comes too close or a pedestrian or obstruction comes in their way.
We know that buses, jeeps and other public utility vehicles must be confined within the yellow lane. However, and as seen on photographs and videos taken before and after the implementation, they have been moving to, beyond and across the lane freely and with hardly any apprehension from the enforcement. That lack of control over the public utility vehicles is a major risk that can mean limb and worse, life.
Imposing a 100 meter rule for the motorcycles to move out of their lane to cross 4 other lanes to get to a u-turn slot is near impossible. It can only happen when there are hardly any other vehicles along the road or if the rider attempts an extremely dangerous maneuver across the highway. 100 meters is only 2 posts away and it is an extremely short distance to even attempt to cross safely with the other vehicles on the road.
The proposed plan of putting barricades to confine the motorcycles in a single lane is equally risky and dangerous as a slight move can mean imminent contact between the barrier and the motorcycle. And since the mishap can turn into an immediate obstruction to the oncoming motorcycles, they are also prone to getting involved if they don't stop in time. Then there’s the other motorcycles coming from behind that may cause a separate collision altogether. Unless the lane is made wide enough that there is a margin of safety for both sides without loosing the ability to pass other motorcycles, then this idea is not advisable. The same applies to tire stops or any type of barrier that restricts the motorcycle from crossing it in case of an emergency.
The lack of signages, road markings and road preparation should have been prioritized before the implementation of the “Motorcycle lane”. It should have not started after it’s initial dry run as it only proves the lack or preparation and study made for it’s implementation. Not to mention the lack of preparation on the side of Macapagal where pictures and videos before and after the implementation started shows dirt, pebbles, rocks, puddles, potholes, barriers, parked vehicles, terminals and what not are in the way of the “Motorcycle Lane”. This is again, considered as obstructions that may cause accidents and tremendous amounts of risk for the motorcycle riders.

Allow me to quote Steve Guderian of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority & Motorcycle Safety Consulting and author of “Lane Sharing, A Global Solution for Motorcycle Safety”.

Implications:

With risk, comes implications. It the world of vehicles, this can vary from a simple fender-bender to a fatal accident that can cause one to lose a life. These implications must be weighed out carefully and extensively to find a common ground where risk is at it’s minimum and safety at it’s maximum capacity. All conditions which may include, but is not limited to rider/driver/pedestrian behaviour, discipline, infrastructure, obstruction and what not must be discussed by all possible stakeholders and not just one body.

The recent implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane” has disregarded some major implications based on it’s design and unclear rule. Nevertheless, it is not too late to bring this idea back to the table in order for us to figure out what is best before taking any action or implementation.

With the introduction of the said “Motorcycle Lane”, it should have also been top priority to reinforce the existing laws and regulations for ALL vehicles and not just motorcycles.

This treatment leaves a sour taste and implies prejudice towards motorcycle users yet again.

Legislative Requirements:

Based on your statements, I understand that this was made out of an ordinance promulgated by Quezon City and Pasay. We would like to see the said ordinance and have this published so that everybody is aware of the basis of the “Motorcycle Lane”

I do have a few questions regarding the two roads being used as the testing grounds for the dedicated lanes:

According to the Quezon City DPOS office, Commonwealth Avenue has been declared as a National Road and it’s jurisdiction and policy making body should be with the LTO and/or DOTC being the agency with the mandate and authority to create and implement new traffic, road and vehicular laws for everything under the National level. Ordinances are not supposed to supersede National Law, is that right?
Given that Quezon City still has the right to dictate the traffic law on Commonwealth Avenue, Who creates the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the ordinance? As mentioned on the start of this paper, it will give us a clear understanding of the basis and where the proponents are coming from.
Every piece of legislation, ruling or policy being implemented must have a corresponding Implementing Rules and Regulations, is that right? Where is the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the “Motorcycle Lane” so that we may clearly understand the rules and restrictions of it’s use.
Was there a public hearing for the “Motorcycle Lane” prior to its implementation? If so, who were present, invited and expected to be part of the hearing? The riding public is not made out of one organization, one group, a manufacturer, or a few known motorcycle personalities should it? As far as we understand, the general riding public, should have been given an invite to this public hearing on the implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane” as we are all stake holders by right.
Why wasn’t the rules for all public and private vehicles reinforced during the announcement of the “Motorcycle Lane”? This would have been more ideal because, it would prepare the public vehicle sector and it would serve as their warning that any public utility vehicle crossing the yellow lane will be apprehended accordingly. This way, you also show everybody that there are rules and regulations for all vehicles and not just motorcycles. Again, this causes an ill feeling of prejudice against motorcycle users. In fact, it should be reinforced and enforced on a daily basis and not just for the purpose of the implementation of the “Motorcycle Lane”.
We strongly believe that strict implementation of the existing laws, if carried out accordingly, is enough to keep everybody in check and would promote discipline amongst all road users. However, it is evident that there are challenges in carrying out the existing laws to the point that a vast number of road users get away with simple to grave violations of the traffic laws. That being the case, any additional law, regulation or implementation will meet numerous challenges and prevent it’s success simply because the basic and existing laws cannot be carried out properly and extensively. What made you think that a new law can solve the problems on the road?

With that said, we want to be sure that we all share the equal protection of the laws, we are not unduly profiled, we are not being treated with prejudice and discrimination.

The lack of existing law reinforcement creates a very vague picture of the law and is prone to subjective apprehensions which we all know is very abundant. Sadly, a number of enforcers interprets the law in such a way that he does not even know the difference between apprehending a motorcycle avoiding a vehicle that cuts across his designated lane and apprehending the vehicle for cutting the path of the motorcycle. With the existing laws in place and being enforced diligently, everybody will be on the same page and nobody will cry foul as the existing laws are made to be just, simple and without prejudice towards anybody.

Root Cause Analysis:

Licensing – We all know that operating a vehicle on the road is a privilege. With that privilege, comes great responsibility. That responsibility should be properly screened and driven into the heads of each applicant. The standard procedure as mandated by law undergo written and practical tests before an individual passes for a license. This is no longer being practiced diligently. Applying stricter licensing measures will weed out the non-trained and non-educated rider and driver. Thus allowing the government the much needed control over the road users and their riding/driving habits.
Education – The reason why a lot of people don't follow the traffic law is because they don't know what they are. Prior to licensing, everybody should undergo traffic law training so that they are made aware of the rules of the road. Riding and driving certification should be made more stringent when applying for a license. Mandating may be a tad too harsh, but for those who have gone through driving and riding school, are automatically considered for licenses while those who have not taken any education courses on riding or driving, should pass the written and practical exams made for licensing. Part of education should be the promotion of safe, defensive and advanced riding/driving methods that will help in empowering every road user so that they take the necessary precautions and make the best decisions when encountering an emergency on the road.
Enforcement – This is crucial to the maintenance of discipline on the road. Visibility is not enough. Each enforcer should be diligent and dedicated to catching would be violators in order to maintain order and discipline on the streets. However, if the enforcer themselves break the very law they enforce, it sends a negative message to the public. They should lead by example while they promote safety, discipline and peaceful use of the roads. If there are strict implications to those who violate the law, those enforcing it should be given higher penalties and more effective punishment methods to ensure that the watchers of the road are free from corruption.

Having all three aspects work together is enough to solve the problems of the street. When the public sees how well the process is being followed, they will fall into their rightful place.

This hit’s the tip of the iceberg, the core and the root cause of the problem altogether. And once it is done, we will see better roads and road users.

Closing Statement:

We humbly ask your kind office, being the implementers of the “Motorcycle Lane” to reconsider this plan and bring it back to the table before people get hurt or worse, before people lose their lives. This experiment deals with human life and limb. Let us not wait until the road users relax and get into a mishap on the “Motorcycle Lane”. There is just too much risk involved. We cannot just sit and watch for this experiment to work or fail as each life, whether big or small, is worth more than any amount or any projects success or failure.

We would also like to be informed, considered and take part in your policy building, future programs, implementation of projects and other endeavours so that we can provide the necessary input from “real” everyday riders. There is a huge difference between your hobbyists, Sunday riders and your working class, “daily” riders. Each opinion, suggestion and even every contradiction can mean the world of difference between experimenting with lives and the effectiveness of your programs to create a better riding/driving experience for all motorists and pedestrians. We should all work together and not work against each other and in order to do that, we should make sure that everybody is given a fair chance to be heard and be properly represented.

Issues and problems can be given solutions that works both ways and with minimal resistance. We can offer our research and capacity to gather much needed opinions from the riding public and come up with a bucket load of suggestions that can help us build the ideal scenario that will be more acceptable for everybody concerned.

We would also like to state that before you take on one organization’s word that they represent the whole community, please think again. There are countless people here who oppose this idea because of the obvious dangers that can be seen and felt by the very riders who use these roads daily.

We wish that you give respect to every body's point of view, opinion and experience when it comes to the real dangers of the road. We wish for your agency to listen, ask and show respect to ALL riders and not just the people who say or claim that they represent the entire community. We wish that we all come to terms with the real problems and dangers that surround our community. We wish that you lead us in being a united community and not divide us from the rest of the road users. We wish we are just saying this out of emotion. Sad to say that we am not. We wish that we are only basing this on mere hearsay. We are distraught to say that we are not.

And our message to the people who say this is better for everybody concerned, your opinion is only based on your lack of riding experience with the REAL dangers of the streets. We cant say that we blame you for what you do not know and what you do not see from within the eyes of the riders. We just hope that someday, we all come to terms that we all share the road and we all have to ride and drive together whether we like it or not.

We want to avoid all unnecessary conflict and prevent undue resistance from either side that can disrupt and affect the progress of all safety initiatives by the government and the private sector. We want to avoid legal action as a result of our rights being strangled and our safety being risked.

Please hear the voices of the people who you have sworn to serve.

Thank you and more power to your agency.

Jobert Christian G. Bolanos

Chairman

Motorcycle Rights Organization

ABS CBN Interview regarding MC lanes

2011-10-17T17:03:00.002+08:00

It was a very short interview...

Asked what suggestions we have for the MC lane...

I mentioned road markings and signs must be more visible and clear to ALL road users that they must be weary of the MC lane...

I also mentioned the lack of Implementing Rules and Regulations not only for the riders but for the other vehicles as well...

I also mentioned the risk they put us into... That life is being risked by the motorcycle lane... I may have mentioned that we do not have the infrastructure to support the MC lane as of this time...

I also mentioned that the best way to help road users in general is to apply stricter screening of motorists for licensing and by educating them of the rules of the road...

I also mentioned that the implementation is premature or immature... Cant remember...

Anyway, they had to leave right away because they had to go after the 6:30 slot tonight...

So the quick interview will be released at 6:30 later at ABS CBN...

I hope and pray to God that they don't edit the interview to project something else...

Also, I was in my home attire and I was not in riding gear... So I hope it isn't taken the wrong way...

Anyway, this does not stop here... Ms. Castaneda got my number and she gave me hers as well because she is sure that there will be a followup report SOON...

Also, I also received and invitation and will be in ABC5 tomorrow for a taping of a show regarding motorcycles... We will also be talking about the motorcycle lanes...

I need a couple of daily riders who can come with me and speak as daily commuters and how they feel and look at the MC lanes... We are scheduled to be present at ABC 5 in Global City, Taguig before 3 PM... If your interested, please let me know and I will text the details of the studio to you...

Please indicate the ff information:

Name
MCP handle
Motorcycle
General location of work and residence (would be better if you pass along these roads daily)

Urgent Announcement!!! Meeting location changed!!!

2011-10-14T22:44:00.000+08:00

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to circumstances that we wish to avoid, we are moving the location of the meeting to Felix (Imelda) Avenue. Same time. Please relay the message across. My contact number is 09217754388.

Directions from Shell Julia Vargas:

From Shell Doña Julia Vargas Ave

1. Head northwest on Doña Julia Vargas Ave toward Kaimito

2. Take the 1st right onto Frontera Dr

3. Continue onto Ortigas Ave

4. Slight right to stay on Ortigas Ave

5. Continue onto Ortigas Avenue Extension

6. Continue onto Ortigas at Cainta Jct

7. Make a U-turn right after Cainta Jct

10. At Cainta Jct, turn right onto Felix (Imelda) Ave

Destination will be on the right just after Yamaha Cainta and before Bank of Commerce.

Transparency... A thank you message and a call for help...

2011-10-14T12:04:00.000+08:00

As a few of you know and a lot of you don't... I somewhat operate on my own for MRO and MAP with the help of some people all over sending me pictures, video, research material and the likes... I would love to do all that, but I also have a family to take care of, work to make sure I can provide for them and other important things besides MRO and MAP...

I would greatly appreciate it if you can help me by sending them my letters from my blog so that they may know what is happening around... If they are truly interested and are willing to help, they will get in touch with us... And if you know enough about what is happening, simply get things started for me and help me get an appointment with them... I will honor the appointment as it is set so I can personally talk with them...

I apologize for not being able to just run around and do everything that you suggest... For the most part, there are literally hundreds of people in line at these offices waiting for help and I can't spend time doing that with all of them... But if you have a faster way to get through to them, by all means, please get me set up... Or, if you can, get them to attend the meeting tomorrow in Super 8, Ortigas extension at 5...

One way of letting them know is by posting the invites and reminders for the meeting on face book on their walls and pages... That should catch their attention that something is going on in the community...

Again, I would like to apologize and thank all those who have been helping out. I wish I can do more, but I encourage you to volunteer for MRO and MAP to help us do the things we need to do faster and more efficiently...

I will teach you all I know and empower you as much as I can...

To clubs and organization who wants to learn about the laws of our land, I am willing to do seminars on rights and I can get my friend to do seminars on safety... The one that is not self declared, but earned by the highest and most respected safety organization in the world...

Anyway, keep em coming guys... The fight is not over...

MMDA answers... I react...

2011-10-13T17:43:00.003+08:00

"MMDA Pinag-aralan po ng mabuti ang pagpapatupad ng batas na ito. Wala naman po ang sinuman na gustong mapahamak ang kapwa nila. Matuto lang po sana tayong makipagtulungan at sumunod sa batas. Makakaasa po kayo na magkakaroon kami ng mahigpit na pagbabantay sa pagpapatupad nito. Maari niyo din pong isumbong sa amin ang sinumang lumalabag."

They say they studied it very well...

How about this...

They can't even control the damn buses, jeeps and taxis and they expect us to ride along side them?!? I say their study is baseless because their efforts to control the public utility vehicles have failed time and time again... Since were discussing motorcycles, you can't even discipline the riders themselves...

They said they will make sure that they will strictly watch over all vehicles...

Why now? Why not when you started being the MMDA?!? You haven't shown any ounce of control over the public utility vehicles, what makes you think they will abide by you watching over us or them?!? It has never worked before, what made you think it will work now?!? Heck, you can't even control the undisciplined riders...

You cant control vehicles, you cant control discipline, you cant even control your own people!!!

1. Illegal/wrongful apprehensions everywhere
2. Enforcers break the very laws they enforce
3. You create laws when you don't even have the power or authority to do so

MMDA - If you really care about the rider's safety and the safety of everybody else, don't pretend that you are 100% sure that you can control the dangers of the road because you haven't!!! Daily, I see buses, jeeps, taxis, and even private vehicles break every single traffic rule while your own people watch and do nothing...

And you impose a rule and new violation for motorcycles who goes out of your lanes?!? You cant even keep tabs on the other vehicles that break the law and you say you will watch over those who violate the MC lane?!? YEAH RIGHT!!!

People may be happy that you put motorcycles in one place that may well be their cemetery. And I hope and pray that for your sake and the sake of those who you have put in harms way be saved by your immature and illogical ruling over us...

Oh, and before you take on one organizations word that they represent the whole community, please think again... There are people here who oppose this idea because of the obvious dangers that can be seen and felt by the very riders who use these roads daily...

To those who backed this MC lane, I wish you had considered everybody when you claimed that you represent the entire community... I wish you had given respect to everybody's point of view, opinion and experience when it comes to the real dangers of the road... I wish you have listened, asked and shown respect to ALL riders and not just the people in your circle... I wish that instead of finding ways to throw dirt at other peoples faces, you come to terms with the real problems and dangers that surround our community... I wish that you lead us in being a united community and not divide us by misrepresenting us... I wish I was just saying this out of emotion... Sad to say I am not... I wish I was only basing this on mere hearsay... I am distraught to say that I am not...

And my message to the people who say this is better for everybody concerned, your opinion is only based on your lack of riding experience with the REAL dangers of the streets... I can't say I blame you for what you do not know and what you do not see from within the eyes of the riders... I just hope that someday, we all come to terms that we all share the road and we all have to ride and drive together whether you like it or not...

Oh, also, before we find the means to file a case against this action you (MMDA) took, you better read up on your authority to create laws or regulations... As far as I know, you can only enforce what is existing and not create your own... For your sake, I hope you have something on paper that gives you authority to create this "death trap" for motorcyclists...

Is a life worth sacrificing to see if the Motorcycle Lane works or not?!?

2011-10-12T09:35:00.000+08:00

Question, in the event that your safety is put at risk, will you: 1. Follow because it is the law? 2. Address the issue because you are concerned about your safety?

It is not about following or going against a law that is written with not enough study or basis, rather, it is about your safety and well being.

If it steps on your rights, would you just stand by and let them screw you from behind?

The rules of this law is not clear cut. Nor has it been explained properly.

Let me give you a few points to ponder...

Was this designed by riders?

Did they conduct a proper and practical test for safety and enforcement?

Did they consider putting motorcycles besides public transport without thinking that it is way to dangerous compared to putting them right beside the island?

Did they think about how easy it is to get hit from behind or the side to move from the 4th lane to the u-turn slot in a distance of 2 posts? Thats 3 lanes that you have to cross.

Did they think about letting the entire community know before they assume that the entire riding public is represented?

Did they think about the possibility of the enforcement making mistakes and judgement errors on who to apprehend?

What if, between the point where you obey the said law and you addressing the possible dangers, you get in an accident because of this?

What will you do then? What can you do by then?

Why wait for something bad to happen when you can fix it before it is too late?

Were not asking them to abolish the ruling... All we want is the opportunity to address the possible issues that may arise...

I don't think that all riders were represented properly here...

You do not take a life and sacrifice it to see if this plan works!!!!