Why you should not seek shelter under an overpass or flyover during a heavy downpour
The Southwest Monsoon, commonly known as Habagat, officially began in the Philippines on May 30, 2025, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Basically, the country’s rainy season officially started almost two months ago as of this writing.
As the rainy season intensifies, it’s vital to address a common sight on our roads: numerous motorcycle riders still shelter under pedestrian overpasses or flyovers. This practice, often due to a lack of awareness or just plain “I don’t care attitude,” poses significant safety and traffic flow concerns—both on the riders themselves and other motorists who use the same road.
To highlight the dangers and negative consequences of stopping for shelter under pedestrian overpasses or flyovers instead of being “rain ready” like a true rider, here are the critical reasons why you should NEVER seek cover in these areas:
1) The danger of being rear-ended: Unlike larger vehicles, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable in a rear-end collision, facing a much greater likelihood of serious injury or death. Also, when you stop under an overpass or flyover, especially during rain, poor visibility dramatically increases the chance that other drivers won’t see you, leading to potentially devastating consequences.
2) Creating traffic and negative stereotypes: Given the often-narrow design of our roads, motorcycles stopping for shelter under an overpass or flyover directly impedes traffic flow, effectively blocking lanes and causing immediate congestion for countless other motorists. This inconsiderate act not only creates widespread inconvenience but also unfairly fuels the negative perception of all riders, leading to generalizations that can result in less respectful and more aggressive interactions between motorists and motorcyclists on the road.
3) Monkey see, monkey do: This seems to be a common trait among Filipinos. If something is frowned upon, many tend to do it anyway, thinking, “everyone else is doing it, what’s the difference?”
This behavior is often seen in traffic. One motorcyclist will filter through vehicles, only to stop on a pedestrian crosswalk, then every other rider will follow suit, blocking pedestrians. Sometimes, during slow-moving traffic on a two-way street, one rider might counterflow against oncoming traffic, and numerous others will follow, causing congestion in both directions.
The same goes when abruptly stopping for shelter under an overpass or flyover. It typically starts with just one rider, then others follow suit, leading to traffic build-up and inconvenience for other motorists.
4) Automatic NCAP fines: The MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) is always in effect, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Obstructing traffic flow by stopping under an overpass or flyover means you could face significant traffic violation fines, as NCAP uses high-definition CCTVs strategically placed on Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares to monitor traffic. A fine for ‘Obstruction’ is PHP 1,000 for the first offense, but it can be elevated to ‘Reckless Driving’ if the MMDA deems it fit, making the penalty go up to as much as PHP 10,000 and possible revocation of your driver’s license.
Now that we understand the inherent dangers and consequences of seeking shelter under overpasses or flyovers, what can you do to avoid this risky practice? Here are a couple of practical suggestions to help you stay safe and responsible on the road:
1) Leverage online weather resources: Despite internet speed challenges, the Philippines boasts a massive online population, meaning you likely know your way around Google or the World Wide Web in general. As a rider, utilize this knowledge! Consult websites like Accuweather.com, DOST-PAGASA, or similar platforms for daily or weekly weather forecasts. Being informed about upcoming weather patterns is your best defense, allowing you to be truly prepared and be “rain-ready.”
2) Pack your rain gear and be prepared: Now that you’re tracking the weather, the next logical step is to always have your rain gear on hand. Affordable options for both you and your backride are widely available online through apps like Lazada and Shopee. For more advanced protection, consider premium rider rain gear from shops such as Ride Manila. Ensure your gear is always easily accessible during your ride. Alternatively, if dark skies and forecasts warn of a downpour, don your rain gear before starting your journey.
3) Identify safe stopping points: Even if you find yourself without the day’s forecast or your rain gear, knowing designated safe havens is vital. Since 2021, the MMDA has established Emergency Lay-Bys under flyovers on C5, EDSA, and Roxas Boulevard specifically for motorcyclists during heavy rain. Additionally, gas stations and convenience stores serve as practical and safe alternatives. Familiarizing yourself with the locations of these establishments along your regular routes can save you from risky stops. Always ensure you don’t obstruct their business operations and extend courtesy to their staff when seeking shelter.
4) Enjoy the rain: Cast your mind back to childhood days spent joyfully playing in the rain. As an adult, it’s liberating to realize that getting a bit wet on the ride home isn’t the end of the world. Embrace the moment, let the rain wash over you, and perhaps even find gratitude for its refreshing presence.
While some riders might justify it as “minsan lang naman” (merely an occasional thing), seeking shelter under overpasses or flyovers on a busy thoroughfare can easily become a regular habit, especially in the Philippines, where rain is frequently imminent. Therefore, being prepared is crucial to avoid inconveniencing other road users, or worse, being part of a road crash statistic.
