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

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:

1. Economy – Motorcycles are cheap and is a cost effective mode of transportation compared to public transport.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

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MRO Emergency meeting

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!

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

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...

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No LAW on wearing shorts!

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...

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

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

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Less accidents during the implementation? Think again...

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...

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

[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

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

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!!!

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MRO is now accepting donations for it's operational costs

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"...

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

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!!!

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

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!

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Blame the rider? Is it fair?

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!

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

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.

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 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:

1. Economy – Motorcycles are cheap and is a cost effective mode of transportation compared to public transport.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 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:

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 danger 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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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”.

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 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.

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”, 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:

1. 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?
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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”.
6. 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:

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

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ABS CBN Interview regarding MC lanes

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)

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Urgent Announcement!!! Meeting location changed!!!

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.

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

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...

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