Mayors OK bike lanes

No chief executive objected to the idea of establishing bicycle lanes during yesterday’s Metro Mayors Council (MMC) meeting at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) office.

The next topic of discussion would then be to determine how and when the bike lanes would be developed,

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando presented before the MMC the initial proposal on how the agency was planning to construct the "Metro Walk and Pedal Lanes," that would be established along secondary and inner roads.

Fernando’s usual critic, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, did not oppose the promotion of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation.

He simply emphasized the need to carefully review the project and make sure that it will be safe for bikers, pedestrians, and even motorists.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista said he is open to the idea of putting up bicycle lanes and he will even recommend the enactment of a local law supporting it.

"Personally I’m in favor of it. I will also recommend it to the Council, provided that safety and security are in place," he said.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said he will encourage his constituents to use bikes and even promote walking.

He said they are now conducting sidewalk clearing and improvement operations in the city in preparation for the project.

"We look at the project not only as an effective way to save fuel, but it will also be good for the health and the environment," Gatchalian said.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco had no objections, but expressed concern over the narrow roads in the coastal town.

Fernando and the members of the MMC are set to come up with a proposed resolution on the project which must be signed by the members of the Council composed of the 17 city and municipal mayors and chairman of the vice mayors’ and councilors’ leagues.

"Identification of roads for bicycles is now being conducted. We have to make sure that these roads will provide users easy access to the major thoroughfares," the MMDA chief said.

Fernando said the bicycle lanes should be able to connect some 200 kilometers of secondary roads, complete with directional signs and safety measures.