LTO summons rider who hit 2 runners during car-free Sunday along Ayala Avenue
The Land Transportation Office has issued a show-cause order against the motorcycle rider who rammed into two runners in Ayala Avenue's car-free zone on Sunday, Aug. 30.
According to host and road safety advocate James Deakin, who witnessed the incident, the rider entered the car-free zone just before 9 a.m. Every Sunday, parts of Ayala Ave. are closed to vehicles to allow runners and cyclists to use the road.
On Monday, Aug. 31, LTO summoned the rider to the agency's Intelligence and Investigation Division on Sept. 8 to submit a sworn statement or explanation regarding the incident.
For the duration of the investigation, his motorcycle has been put under alarm, which forbids transactions involving the unit. The rider's license will also be put under a 90-day preventive suspension once he surrenders it to LTO.
The rider faces possible charges of reckless driving and disregarding traffic signs. He may also be designated as an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, which will result in the revocation of his license.
"Kung may malinaw na pagbabawal, dapat malinaw din ang pagsunod. Sa nangyari sa Makati, hindi namin hahayaang mauwi sa wala ang isang paglabag na nagdulot ng panganib sa mga taong dapat ay ligtas na gumagamit ng kalsada," said LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao in a statement.
Deakin posted on Facebook screenshots of the aftermath.
"Just before 9, a reckless motorcycle rider sped past me and other runners on Ayala Ave, which is closed to motorists. He then hit two runners and crashed," Deakin wrote.
Per the Make It Makati Facebook page, motor vehicles are not allowed to pass Ayala's car-free zones every Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. These zones cover the stretch of Ayala Ave. from Salcedo-HV Dela Costa St. to Courtyard Drive, as well as the Ayala Triangle Gardens Fitness Loop (pedestrian-only areas of Makati Ave. and Paseo de Roxas Ave).
