Valenzuela, Makati eye bike lanes too

MANILA, Philippines - The cities of Valenzuela and Makati are now also encouraging their residents to use bicycles on designated bicycle lanes, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Wednesday.

“May mga ordinances na sa Valenzuela at sa Makati na lagyan ng bicycle lanes pero siguro mas maganda lahat na para nang sa ganun mapromote yung pagbibisikleta,” said MMDA Francis Tolentino at the opening of two more bicycle lanes in Quezon City on Wednesday.

The MMDA opened the bicycle lane from Ortigas Avenue to Santolan (2.105 kilometers) and another lane from White Plains to Temple Drive (982.6 meters long).

“These bike lanes were conceptualized to promote and enhance street and neighborhood identity, increase foot and bike traffic, and reduce vehicle congestion and air pollution along the major thoroughfares as well as promote healthy living and well-being,” Tolentino said.

The new bike lanes are painted in red markings and have been installed with traffic directional signs and safety devices to aid bike riders.  Earlier, the MMDA opened a 3.15-kilometer bike lane on Remedios Circle in Malate, Manila; a 9.14-kilometer bike lane along Marcos Highway from Evangelista Street to Sumulong Highway in Marikina City; a kilometer-long bike lane along EDSA from Magallanes to Ayala Avenue in Makati City; and a 2.92-kilometer bike lane along Commonwealth Avenue from University Avenue to Tandang Sora in Quezon City.      

Tolentino said the public can ride the MMDA bicycles  for free under the agency’s bike-sharing system. Users of the MMDA bikes only need to present a valid identification card and will be issued a plastic card indicating the bike’s number. The bike should then be surrendered to a control area after use.

Tolentino added that the MMDA will be adding more bicycles for the public to use, especially when the 15 major infrastructure projects across Metro Manila start construction works. The MMDA earlier said these construction works are expected to trigger major traffic jams in the Metro.

"We will be adding more bicycle lanes to promote street and neighborhood identity, increase foot and bike traffic and reduce vehicle congestion along major roads," said Tolentino.

Meanwhile, the MMDA said it is possible to have a bike lane that spans the entire length of EDSA from Malibay in Pasay City to Monumento in Caloocan City.

“Sana malagyan yung buong EDSA.  Pwede naman di naman mawala yung pedestrian  at may mga area hindi malakaran talaga hindi ka naman pwede maglakad from Malibay up to Balintawak,” he said.

Tolentino added that the MMDA will establish bicycle sheds or “shelters” along the bike lanes where private bikes can be stored. These sheds said Tolentino, will have security guards and will be fitted with closed circuit television cameras.

“Yung bike shelter ito yung para sa mga pribadong may biskleta.  Pwede nilang i-park yun sa mga walang maparadahan ng bikes.  Kukunin nila yun paguwi,” he said.

Tolentino said the bike sheds will be built in Manila’s university belt and will also be built at the ferry terminals along the Pasig River.