Sustainable transport groups say the current EDSA bike lanes are too narrow and should be expanded to protect cyclists
Photo by Grig C. Montegrande/Philippine Daily Inquirer
As more Filipinos ride bikes for transportation, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Transportation have finally started setting up EDSA bike lanes.
MMDA spokesperson Celina Pialago said in an interview with CNN Philippines that MMDA will allot 1.2 meters of space for cyclists but the current road markings will only be temporary as they, together with the bike lanes, are still up for evaluation.
“We see the urgency of having bike lanes. Kailangan na magka-bike lanes since ‘yon na ang bagong mode of transportation ng mga kababayan natin,” said Pialago.
“We see the urgency of having bike lanes. Kailangan na magka-bike lanes since ‘yon na ang bagong mode of transportation ng mga kababayan natin,” said MMDA spokesperson Celina Pialago
The MMDA, which advised cyclists to bike on sidewalks last May, says its final plan is to construct elevated and protected bike lanes along EDSA. However, Pialago says this can’t be done right now because of budget issues.
“Yong initial na plano namin sana, elevated. But that will take time. Due to budget constraints, syempre may budget issues ang lahat ng proyektong may construction.”
Cycling advocates speak up
Cycling Matters, a group dedicated to converting Metro Manila into a bike-friendly city, aired its concern regarding MMDA’s latest construction via Facebook on June 14. The group stated that a “crammed” one-meter bike lane isn’t suitable and consistent enough along EDSA to ensure cyclist safety.
“The bike lanes turn out to be wide enough in some areas but consistency in adhering to established standards and minimum safety requirements is still a concern,” says Cycling Matters in its Facebook post. “You have the chance to do something good. Now is not the time to hesitate.”
MoveAsOne Coalition, an organization consisting of 130 members advocating for safe and sustainable public transportation, also raised their concern about the one-meter bike lanes. According to a report, the group says the current bike lanes are too narrow and should be expanded to a minimum of two meters of 1.5 to 1.75 meters to protect cyclists.
“A lane width of only one meter is dangerous for cyclists. The Netherlands Design Manual for Bicycle Traffic requires a bike lane width of two meters, while the Indonesian Public Works standards stipulate a minimum bike lane width of 1.5 to 1.75 meters,” they said.