Respect the Road: Why Riders Should Avoid Using Flyovers and Overpasses as Rain Shelters

I recently came across a timely article from Top Gear Philippines titled “Riders should *really* stop using overpasses and flyovers to take shelter from the rain,” and let me tell you, it struck a chord! Here in Motorcycle Republic, we’ve always stood for responsible riding, and safety remains our top priority. With the rainy season in full swing across Metro Manila, there’s no better time to echo this important reminder: overpasses and flyovers are not designated shelters for riders when the rain pours.

Why It’s Riskier Than It Seems:

Taking shelter under a flyover may feel convenient, but the truth is, it’s like stopping in the middle of the road for no reason, as Top Gear pointed out. Aside from causing traffic disruptions, you’re putting yourself and other motorists in danger. Reduced visibility, sudden stops, and fast-moving vehicles make these areas incredibly unsafe.

Some may think we’re being inconsiderate or that we don’t understand what other riders feel, but we’re riders too. And we know how tough it is to get caught in the rain. Still, we must remember that overpasses and flyovers are not meant to be rain shelters. It’s time we move away from the habit of treating them as such.

The Better Option:

What really hit me was the author’s personal experience: caught in heavy rain while riding along EDSA, he chose to pull over at a gas station instead. There, at a safe distance from moving traffic, he wasn’t blocking anything or risking anyone’s safety, and he didn’t inconvenience a soul.

That example is precisely what we should all follow. Stopping at a gas station, convenience store, café, or any designated safe spot is not just more courteous, it’s genuinely safer and respectful to other motorists.

What Riders Can Do:

• Plan Ahead: Keep an eye on weather forecasts. Always carry rain gear like a poncho, and plan your stops if you sense rain coming.

• Know Your Safe Spots: Gas stations, 24-hour shops, and open areas away from traffic are far better choices for shelter.

• Learn from Fellow Riders: The author’s experience isn’t hypothetical, it’s real! If they chose a gas station over an overpass, there must be a reason.

A Call to All Riders:

Let’s stop overlooking reminders like this. Riding responsibly means protecting ourselves and respecting everyone we share the road with. Overpasses and flyovers may look like a quick refuge, but they are not designed as shelters, and using them as such only increases the risk of accidents.

So the next time the rain starts to pour, think twice. Skip the flyover, skip the overpass. Choose safety instead. Our roads are unpredictable enough; let’s not add avoidable hazards to the mix.

Ride safe. Stay visible. Wait where you’re truly safe!