Staring last August 3, users of personal mobility vehicles, bicycles, scooters, and mopeds were allowed to use the designated lanes for their safety and of other motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians.
MAKATI City will now allow the use of personal mobility vehicles other than traditional bicycles to ply the roads given they operate within the designated bike lanes.
Last week, an online petition was passed around Makatizens on Facebook asking Makati authorities to allow the use of electric scooters inside the Ayala central business district.
photo from Kaabo Scooters Philippines
The petition was paired with a photo of a Makati Parking Authority (MAPA) officer apprehending an electric kick scooter user attempting to use the bike lane along the city’s commercial area.
Although some barangays in the city allow the use of electric scooters along their roads, the rules over electric scooters on main throughways in Ayala CBD are unclear.
“Some responsible users opted to use these electric motor-powered Personal Mobility Devices and Electric Kick Scooters for a safer means of transportation,” wrote Dominick Galauran author of the petition.
He added that they are avoiding public transportation for fear of overcrowding and long waiting times as well as avoiding taxis and ride-hailing apps given their high prices.
In response, the Makati Central Estate Association (MACEA) announced through the Facebook page Make It Makati that they recognize “the need for alternative modes of transportation during the pandemic.”
“Users of personal mobility scooters, electric kick scooters, and electric mopeds that they may now operate these within the designated bike lanes in the Makati Central Business District,” the announcement reads.
Last August 3, users of personal mobility vehicles, bicycles, scooters, and mopeds were allowed to use the designated lanes for their safety and of other motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians.
Knowing that the government has raised the quarantine status of Metro Manila back to enhanced community quarantine, many frontline workers are seen to make use of alternative vehicles.
Should other cities do the same and allow personal mobility vehicle users to make use of the bike lanes?
Tags: #Escooters, #bicyclelanes, #roadsafety, #MakatiCity