You don't just hop on the bike and pedal
Published May 26, 2020 12:00 am
#ASKGOYO
By ATTY. GREGORIO Y. LARRAZABAL
Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
Last Sunday, the MMDA, headed by Chairman Danny Lim, allowed cyclists to bike along a portion of EDSA -- from White Plains to Boni Serrano Avenue. The MMDA set up cones to serve as “barriers” and indicators of the bicycle lane. It was a collective effort by several bicycle advocates and bicycle groups who have, for years, been pushing for cycling as a regular means of transportation. It was borne out of discussions a few days before May 24, on how to make bicycles more acceptable as a mode of transportation. It was supposed to be from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.. However, the MMDA closed the lane by lunch because there were too many cyclists using the lane. Although it lasted only for about six hours, it was a big step and a very positive development. Considering the number of cyclists who used it, on such short notice, at that.
There are more programs and plans in the pipeline to continue the push for cycling in Metro Manila. There’s World Bicycle Day on June 3, where several plans are being formulated to encourage people to ride their bicycle on that day. What’s key here is to make the effort constant and consistent.
Last Sunday morning was very good for cyclists and cycling in the Philippines. However, later in the day, two incidents I personally witnessed were very disturbing. First was when I was driving to a meeting late Sunday afternoon. When on the road, I observed that there was a cyclist who was not only cycling without a helmet (which is required in Makati City), but he was running red lights in at least two intersections, with seeming disregard for traffic rules.
I know many foreigners who ride bicycles in Makati. They’re responsible cyclists who follow traffic rules. However, this individual clearly wasn’t following traffic rules. He was acting like he owned the road, he being a danger not only to himself but to motorists.
Then later at around 7 p.m., when coming home from the meeting, and I was waiting for the traffic light to turn red in the intersection, I saw two cyclists on the road. One had a front light, but no rear light. The other cyclist did not have any lights. When they got to the intersection, they didn’t wait for the light to turn green. They just biked. A vehicle almost hit the cyclist riding a bicycle without lights. This is why I highly discourage people from cycling at night. ESPECIALLY those who do not have any lights on themselves and/or their bicycles. Cyclists have to remember to be responsible.
When I got home, I shared (my) what I just saw with a friend who rides a bicycle often. He told me that unfortunately, while we try to encourage people to ride bicycles and motorists to respect cyclists on the road, it should work both ways. He told me that one time he was in front of Paco Park in Manila, on a one-way street. He checked the traffic in one direction (where the vehicles are supposed to be coming from); then seeing no vehicles, stepped into the street. Then he got hit by a cyclist speeding from the other direction. My friend fell to the ground. What made things worse is that the cyclist even got mad for hitting my friend. The erring cyclist was oblivious to the fact that he was cycling in the wrong direction in a one-way street.
That’s really something that has to be discussed. Before you’re allowed to drive a vehicle or motorcycle, you must first secure a driver’s license. However, no permit or license is required for individuals who ride a bicycles, or scooters / e-scooters. It’s assumed that cyclists know traffic rules and regulations. A majority of those who use bicycles and scooters follow traffic rules and regulations. However, there are some who don’t - Including those who ride a bicycle, and attach their helmet to their backpack, instead of wearing it. This is something that has to be addressed.
There has to be a program not only to get people to ride bicycles, but as equally important, to teach them how to ride responsibly. It’s a two-way street where both motorists and cyclists respect the rules of the road and respect each other. It will take time, but it will lead to safer roads for everyone.
Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
Last Sunday, the MMDA, headed by Chairman Danny Lim, allowed cyclists to bike along a portion of EDSA -- from White Plains to Boni Serrano Avenue. The MMDA set up cones to serve as “barriers” and indicators of the bicycle lane. It was a collective effort by several bicycle advocates and bicycle groups who have, for years, been pushing for cycling as a regular means of transportation. It was borne out of discussions a few days before May 24, on how to make bicycles more acceptable as a mode of transportation. It was supposed to be from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.. However, the MMDA closed the lane by lunch because there were too many cyclists using the lane. Although it lasted only for about six hours, it was a big step and a very positive development. Considering the number of cyclists who used it, on such short notice, at that.
There are more programs and plans in the pipeline to continue the push for cycling in Metro Manila. There’s World Bicycle Day on June 3, where several plans are being formulated to encourage people to ride their bicycle on that day. What’s key here is to make the effort constant and consistent.
Last Sunday morning was very good for cyclists and cycling in the Philippines. However, later in the day, two incidents I personally witnessed were very disturbing. First was when I was driving to a meeting late Sunday afternoon. When on the road, I observed that there was a cyclist who was not only cycling without a helmet (which is required in Makati City), but he was running red lights in at least two intersections, with seeming disregard for traffic rules.
I know many foreigners who ride bicycles in Makati. They’re responsible cyclists who follow traffic rules. However, this individual clearly wasn’t following traffic rules. He was acting like he owned the road, he being a danger not only to himself but to motorists.
Then later at around 7 p.m., when coming home from the meeting, and I was waiting for the traffic light to turn red in the intersection, I saw two cyclists on the road. One had a front light, but no rear light. The other cyclist did not have any lights. When they got to the intersection, they didn’t wait for the light to turn green. They just biked. A vehicle almost hit the cyclist riding a bicycle without lights. This is why I highly discourage people from cycling at night. ESPECIALLY those who do not have any lights on themselves and/or their bicycles. Cyclists have to remember to be responsible.
When I got home, I shared (my) what I just saw with a friend who rides a bicycle often. He told me that unfortunately, while we try to encourage people to ride bicycles and motorists to respect cyclists on the road, it should work both ways. He told me that one time he was in front of Paco Park in Manila, on a one-way street. He checked the traffic in one direction (where the vehicles are supposed to be coming from); then seeing no vehicles, stepped into the street. Then he got hit by a cyclist speeding from the other direction. My friend fell to the ground. What made things worse is that the cyclist even got mad for hitting my friend. The erring cyclist was oblivious to the fact that he was cycling in the wrong direction in a one-way street.
That’s really something that has to be discussed. Before you’re allowed to drive a vehicle or motorcycle, you must first secure a driver’s license. However, no permit or license is required for individuals who ride a bicycles, or scooters / e-scooters. It’s assumed that cyclists know traffic rules and regulations. A majority of those who use bicycles and scooters follow traffic rules and regulations. However, there are some who don’t - Including those who ride a bicycle, and attach their helmet to their backpack, instead of wearing it. This is something that has to be addressed.
There has to be a program not only to get people to ride bicycles, but as equally important, to teach them how to ride responsibly. It’s a two-way street where both motorists and cyclists respect the rules of the road and respect each other. It will take time, but it will lead to safer roads for everyone.