Motorists watch out! QC is cracking down on bike lane violators, fines up to P 5,000

A few months ago, motorists were warned that the Quezon City government is seriously cracking down on violators who continue to drive, overtake and park on bike lanes.

Now comes word that the heat is indeed on. The city's dedicated bike patrol from the Department of Public Order and Safety - Green Transport Office (DPOS-GTO) and the Task Force for Traffic and Transport Management (TFTTM) are seen all over the city ticketing car drivers and motorcycle riders for driving and parking on bike lanes.

“Gusto nating igiit sa publiko na ang bike lanes ay para sa mga bike lang. Kung kayo ay naka-motor o gumagamit ng sasakyan, hindi kayo pwede sa loob ng bike lane,” said QC Mayor Joy Belmonte in a recent press release.

“Bike lanes are designed to put the safety of cyclists first. If you run over or obstruct their lane then that puts them in danger and defeats the very purpose of our bike lane,” she added.

Department of Public Order and Safety Chief Elmo San Diego said the rigorous apprehension is a joint enforcement effort of the DPOS-Green Transport Office (GTO) and the Task Force for Traffic and Transport Management (TFTTM).

“We have to make sure that the safety of all road users, including bicycle riders, are observed at all times,” said San Diego.

Both the DPOS and TFTTM implement the provisions of SP 2988 or the QC Safe Cycling and Active Transport Ordinance which was meant to prioritize traveling with the use of bicycles especially amid the pandemic, and SP 1444 or the QC Traffic Management Code.

SP 2988 imposes penalties for motorists using or obstructing cycling lanes in Quezon City. The said fines are as follows: P1,000, P3,000 and P5,000 for the first, second and third offense, respectively.

Use of for hire pedicabs in said cycling lanes is also prohibited with a fine of P300 or a day of community service for first offense, and P300 or a day of community service and attendance to a half-day seminar on safe cycling for second and succeeding offenses.


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This post originally appeared on https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com