The establishment of Marikina‚s Bikeways Office in the year 2001, started by MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando who was then the City Mayor, has led to bike-friendly roads and routes that encourage citizens to take the two-wheeled vehicles instead of commuting through manageable distances. There is currently a biking path of 18 kilometers that stretches around the major thoroughfares of Marikina, and this pilot initiative is proving to everyone that the system could actually work.
Replicating the popularity and preference for bicycles and other non-motorized transport in Asian countries like Vietnam and China is the vision of Marikina, said Lota Contreras, OIC of the Bikeways Office. "Biking is an alternative transport mode for intra-city trips, and aside from efficiency and fitness benefits, it is also environment-friendly," she said.
Inaugurated in February 2002, the 18-km cycling route was designed to be safe, well paved and lighted with appropriate signages, informative directions and parking facilities. It will also connect strategic areas in the city to major transport terminals such as the LRT2 stations and urban facilities such as factories, schools, hospitals, market areas, and shopping malls. "The original plan requires 66 kms of cycling lanes, so there‚s still a lot of work to be done. As of the meantime, we are creating awareness and promoting the culture of cycling, and we hope other cities in Metro Manila will follow," Contreras added.
Supporting the government through this significant initiative is Innovatronix, Inc., makers of the country‚s first electronic bike, the „Tronix EBike‰. The EBike is a dual-powered bike that could either be manually pedaled or powered by a 250 W, 24 volts-DC electric motor. It can run up to a speed of 30 kph and can cover a range of 30 kms per full charge. Aside from being environment-friendly, a Tronix Ebike can actually cut cost since there is a continuous oil price hike.
"The Tronix EBike is one of the best options for Marikina residents who would want to use a bike to cover longer distances instead of their car or public transport. It supports our program for making Marikina a bicycle-friendly city," said Contreras.
For their part, Contreras said that the government employees of Marikina are starting another project called "Bike to Work". Eventually, other sectors of the city will be urged to follow this example to further ease traffic congestion.
"We should go back to the basics if we want to find a solution to the terrible traffic problem of Metro Manila. Aside from promoting cycling, our office is also improving the traffic lighting and signalization, educating motorists and the public, especially school children so they can grow up with the right values for the road," she explained.
Innovatronix Inc. was also responsible for installing traffic light controllers and bus stop timers in EDSA which time vehicles every 30 seconds along major intersections. From there, Contreras said the company‚s partnership with the city government has evolved to come up with programs that promote traffic education, education of riders on how to use the bike lane, sidewalk improvement, and other related efforts for the bicycle campaign.
"Soon, we will offer bicycle loans for our citizens and work on rerouting of vehicles to give way to bicycles. This September, government employees will also start lending their bikes to young students, and all throughout, we will also conduct biking-related events. There is no excuse not to bike."