The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA) has released a traffic guide that identifies alternative routes around some of Metro Manila’s busiest school zones.

The Tropang MAALAM guide covers 11 areas that often experience heavy traffic during morning and afternoon rush hours. It gives motorcycle riders possible detours when they do not need to stop near the schools.

Riders who want to avoid the Katipunan Avenue cluster near Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College and the University of the Philippines Diliman may use Aurora Boulevard or C.P. Garcia Avenue. Those passing through the Greenhills school zone may take Wilson Street, Annapolis Street, Eisenhower Street or Club Filipino Avenue.

In Manila, Osmeña Highway, Roxas Boulevard, San Andres Street and Leon Guinto Street provide alternatives to the Taft Avenue school belt. Ayala Boulevard, Kalaw Avenue and Quirino Avenue may also help riders avoid congestion near schools in Intramuros.

The guide points riders toward Lacson Avenue, Dapitan Street and Recto Avenue when traffic builds around the University Belt. Other possible routes include Fugoso Street, Concepcion Aguila Street, Lerma Street, Laong Laan Street and Dos Castillas Street.

Motorcyclists passing through Sta. Mesa may consider Valenzuela Street, P. Sanchez Street or Old Sta. Mesa Street to avoid the area near the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

The guide also covers school zones in Batasan Hills, Pasig, Cubao and Valenzuela. Suggested routes include IBP Road, Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue, P. Tuazon Boulevard and General T. De Leon Road.

Tropang MAALAM stands for Tropang Modelo, Alerto, Aktibo, Ligtas, Aalalay at Matalino. MDPPA developed the campaign to support rider education, road awareness and safety training.