Motoring Today Column

Aug 30, 2023

Those who have taken to using bicycles for their daily commute won't like this development. Neither would many motorists now complaining of the full return of pre-pandemic traffic congestion.

Perhaps the new kings of the road, the motorcycle riders, would like it.

But the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is again rethinking its concept of bike lanes on EDSA.

And if it will be implemented on EDSA, the new concept may be extended to other major thoroughfares.

During a holding of the weekly Laging Handa briefing, MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes revealed that the agency is thinking of widening the bike lanes on EDSA which will then be shared by both motorcycle riders and cyclists.

The idea came about after MMDA data showed that around 165,000 motorcycles pass through EDSAdaily compared to only some 1,000 cyclists.

To MMDA's eyes, the bike lanes on EDSA are clearly underutilized and perhaps the lanes are better served if a full lane is designated for sharing by motorcycles and bicycles.

Artes admitted that this rethink will have challenges, including whether motorcycle or bicycle riders can be given the option to get off the bike lane and on to the many overpasses and underpasses on the thoroughfare.

Anticipating the inevitable fears that motorcycles sharing a full lane on EDSA would make it unsafe for cyclists, Artes said this implies all motorcycle riders undisciplined.

He is quoted in news reports as saying: "Sa proper guidance at sa proper regulation po na ipalalabas kung sakaling maging shared iyan, iyong atin naman pong mga kababayan na nagmumotor ay puwedeng sumunod."

Stakeholders like cycling and motorcycle safety advocates, as well as other motorists, will be consulted on this new concept, he said.

In the meantime, he warns motorcycle riders and other motorists that MMDA will begin to intensify efforts to apprehend motorcycle riders and other motorists who drive and ride, as well as park or stop, on bike lanes.

Smiling Morizo

Toyota Motor Corporation is fortunate to have a chairman like Akio Toyoda. Although come to think of it, Toyota customers may be even luckier.

Also known as Morizo in his racer guise, Toyoda 's enthusiasm for racing and race cars make for better and fun Toyota vehicles which are already known for functionality and reliability.

Morizo showcased his driving and drifting skills at the recent TGR Festival, getting behind the wheel of the Toyota WRC Yaris and the Toyota GR 86, performing donuts and easily mastering a gymkhana course laid out at the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park.

Asked why a Toyota chairman takes on his racer guise and perform stunts for the public, Toyoda/Morizo says: "It's because of the smiles and the cheers that is why I'm here."

His driving philosophy as Toyota Motor Corporation chairman can also be summed up by saying: "I developed a car because I wanted to see the smiles of the people. You ask people and you give them what they want."

Toyoda/Morizo adds that he believes that the best way to develop Toyotacars is by doing it on the road- driving and drifting these cars.

Who knew drifting cars is a good way to develop better vehicles?

GAC Growth

GAC Motor Philippines celebrated selling a total of 825 units over a seven-month period, achieving an impressive 276 percent year-over-year growth.

Says Franz Decloedt, marketing director of Astara Philippines of the achievement : "We are elated to celebrate our exceptional 7-month streak in sales performance, which is a testament to our team's hard work, innovation, and the trust our customers have in us. Our brand's dedication to delivering cutting-edge vehicles that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of our Filipino customers has been the driving force behind this impressive sales trajectory."

GAC Motor is looking to continue this phenomenal growth with the arrival of an all-wheel drive variant of its popularGS8.

The GS8 4WD was previewed during the GAC Discovery Drive Fest , a three-day mall display and customer test drive event held at the Glorietta 2 in Makati.

Says Decloedt: "The GS8 has had tremendous success since being launched in the Philippines and continues to be one of our best-selling nameplates. It is masterfully designed to exude confidence on the road and is perfect for customers seeking distinction and refinement in their SUV."

The 4WD variant has the same features as the 2WD plus some enhancements, including additional drive modes for various terrains and a 10-speaker Alpine Sound System.

Happy Motoring!!!

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