Share the road.

Why can’t bicycles and motorcycles share the same lane? This question is worth asking in light of recent events regarding the protected bike lane along Lawton Avenue. One of the funny things about Filipinos is how we tend to philosophize excuses for our wrongdoings. Hence, the term “pilosopo.”

Similar to how the exclusive bus lane was mistaken for a fast lane, some motorcycle riders have been using the term “sharrow” to justify their presence in the protected bike lane along Lawton Avenue. And it has reached the point where the Department of Transportation made a post clarifying the meaning of its bike-lane markings.

Before anything else, I understand the reason why motorcycle riders go into the bike lane. It is usually the path of least resistance, especially when all the other lanes are clogged with cars. However, remember this:

A bike lane is meant to protect cyclists by keeping motor vehicles out. It is not a cage but rather a safe space on the road for people on bicycles and other active-transport users. Under DOTr standards, there are three kinds.

Class 1 is a separate path for cyclists and pedestrians. Class 2 is an exclusive lane on the road, marked either by barriers or a solid line. Class 3 is a shared roadway (or sharrow) where motor vehicles are allowed, but drivers must yield to active-transport users and nonmotorized vehicles.

If you’re wondering what the green paint means, it is for conflict areas—sections where motor vehicles may enter to turn or merge at intersections and driveways. Right-turning motorists must yield to forward-moving traffic such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Also, bike lanes aren’t limited to bicycles as light electric vehicles (such as e-bikes and e-scooters) are also allowed—provided they weigh less than 50kg and do not go faster than the speed limit of 25km/h.

The confusion regarding Lawton Avenue’s protected bike lanes stems from how the government failed to update the pavement markings when the infrastructure was upgraded from Class 3 to Class 2—another case of inconsistent traffic signs. According to the DOTr, it will be updated by the third quarter of this year.

The idea that motorcycles are allowed in that protected bike lane because of the sharrow icon (a bicycle with a double chevron on top) was propagated by irresponsible motorcycle vloggers—as if the barriers weren’t obvious signs that they shouldn’t be there.

The key difference between a bicycle user and a motorcycle rider is that although both are vulnerable road users on two wheels, the latter has the horsepower to keep up with automobiles.

Cyclists don’t. Since motorbikes travel at the same speeds as cars and are much heavier than bicycles, they should not be allowed to mix with bikers and pedestrians.

Just because the space is clear doesn’t mean it’s safe for motorists to be there, and this also applies to sidewalks and pedestrian paths. Such infrastructure exists to encourage active transport, and allowing motor vehicles in a bike lane is counterproductive and self-defeating.

To conclude, there’s no need for motorcycle riders and bicycle users to be at odds with each other. We all just want to get to our destination alive and well. Sharing the road means that although everyone has the same right to use it, safety is paramount.

Since riders and cyclists are vulnerable road users, they need infrastructure to protect them. However, mixing them in the same lane isn’t beneficial. No one rides a motorbike to travel at 25km/h or less, and a bike lane is ineffective if it is filled with motor vehicles.

 That is why, in my opinion, an exclusive motorcycle lane (unlike the one on Commonwealth Avenue) alongside a protected bicycle lane would be much better. Not only will it help the multitude of two-wheelers travel more efficiently, but there will also be less room for conflict when they don’t have to jostle with cars for space on major thoroughfares.

While there aren’t any proper motorcycle lanes yet, there is already a network of bike lanes around Metro Manila. Though far from perfect, it is better than nothing. If people badly want to enjoy the benefits of it, they are free to do so—all they have to do is ride a bicycle or a light EV.