Motorcycle lane planned on BanTal Road to curb counterflowing, ease traffic

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City is set to introduce a dedicated motorcycle lane along the Banilad-Talamban (BanTal) Road as part of efforts to reduce traffic violations and improve safety on one of the city’s busiest corridors.

The proposal comes amid persistent counterflowing incidents in the area, with city traffic officials reporting that motorcycle riders account for the vast majority of violators apprehended each day.

READ: CCTO to motorcycle riders: Use right-most lane to avoid accidents

Dedicated lane proposed

The planned motorcycle lane will cover a five-kilometer stretch along the rightmost side of BanTal Road, according to Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) Assistant Department Head and Legal Officer Atty. Kent Jongoy.

“We want to intensify the designation of lanes,” Jongoy said during a news forum on Tuesday, June 23.

He said traffic enforcers record around 20 to 30 counterflowing violations daily along the corridor, with motorcycle riders making up about 90 percent of those cited.

How the lane will work

Jongoy explained that the designated lane will function as a shared lane, allowing four-wheeled vehicles to enter under specific circumstances.

Motorists may use the lane when making a right turn, accessing establishments beside the roadway, or entering designated lay-by areas, he said.

READ: CCTO ‘stepping up’ in putting order in Cebu City roads

“For motorcycles, they should follow that lane if they don’t intend to make a left turn and if they are not making a U-turn when it is permitted,” he said.

The city expects the measure to promote more disciplined lane usage while reducing dangerous maneuvers that contribute to traffic congestion and road crashes.

Enforcement starts in July

Road markings and traffic signages are scheduled for installation next week as the city prepares for full implementation of the policy.

Jongoy said information campaigns are already underway to familiarize motorists with the new traffic scheme before enforcement begins.

The CCTO, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office and the Philippine National Police, will start strictly enforcing the motorcycle lane policy in July.

READ: Cebu City eyes 1-minute passenger loading limit for jeepneys

Motorists found violating the regulation may face an administrative penalty of ₱1,000 under existing traffic rules.

Failure to settle the violation within three days could result in the filing of a formal case and a corresponding fine of ₱3,000.

Project discussed with mayor

The proposed motorcycle lane was among the traffic management initiatives discussed during a June 18 meeting between Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and CCTO officials led by Jongoy.

City officials also reviewed the ongoing installation of digital traffic lights in Talamban, which is now about 90 percent complete.

READ: Jeepneys now allowed in Cebu BRT dedicated lane

Another priority project involves the full implementation of Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) lay-bys in key areas to discourage jeepneys and buses from loading and unloading along the roadway.

With several traffic improvement measures moving forward, the CCTO urged motorists to comply with road regulations and support the city’s efforts to improve mobility.

“We are not just doing this for the city. We are doing this for a safer, sustainable, and orderly Cebu City,” Jongoy said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.