A Partylist group advocating for the welfare of motorcycle riders on Friday lauded the approval of the government's plan to establish a dedicated motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

For 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Ramon Rodrigo "Rodge" Gutierrez, the plan would reduce the risk of accidents on one of Quezon City's major thoroughfares.

Gutierrez hailed the Metro Manila Council for approving the plan of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority proposing the exclusive lane for motorcycles, bicycles, and public utility vehicles.

"We laud and thank the MMC, composed of mayors in the National Capital Region, for agreeing with MMDA that there's a need to create exclusive lanes for riders and other motorists to prevent road accidents," Gutierrez said in a statement.

The MMDA on Wednesday announced that MMC "agreed in principle" to dedicate the outermost lane of Commonwealth Avenue for bicycle riders, the next lane will be for PUVs, and the third lane for motorcycle riders.

"We also expressed gratitude and support to MMDA, especially to MMDA Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga III for this initiative that aims to ensure safety among road users," Gutierrez said.

Being the voice of the motorcycle-riding community and advocate of road safety in Congress, Gutierrez believes that it is important to have exclusive lanes for riders because they are among the most exposed and at-risk sectors on the road.

Citing reports from MMDA, the lawmaker said a total of 1,010 motorcycle-related accidents occurred along Commonwealth Avenue from January to August 2022.

Of the number, nine were fatal, while 557 were non-fatal and 444 caused damage to properties.

Gutierrez disclosed that the proposed exclusive lanes were among those discussed during the MMDA's motorcycle consultation workshop earlier this month.

"1-Rider Partylist was invited to the motorcycle consultation workshop conducted by the MMDA. At that time we were given the opportunity to listen to different sides and opinions on the implementation of these lanes," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez said some riders were requesting to have at least one and a half or two exclusive lanes along Commonwealth Avenue.

He clarified that this newly proposed dedicated lane for motorcycles is different from the previous motorcycle lane project of MMDA.