By Jel Santos
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday morning removed improvised plastic bottles placed by a group of bikers as a barricade for a "bike lane" along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
(United Marshall Bikers / MANILA BULLETIN)
On Tuesday morning, the group placed colored plastic containers to create a "bike lane" along Commonwealth.
Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago, MMDA spokesperson, said that the water colored un containers used as barricades along Commonwealth Avenue do not ensure the safety of bikers.
"There is no bike lane yet, and we cannot just put barricades there, especially one liter plastic containers. It is not safe for bikers because that is not enough to ensure their safety," she said. "It is very dangerous."
"MMDA has a plan for a safe bike lane, but it will take time for it to be constructed," Pialago said.
She added that the safety of bikers is their primary concern, saying the improvised barricades will not protect them from speeding motor vehicles.
The members of United Marshall Bikers will be given citation tickets for obstruction and will be fined P1,000 each.
"We are now coordinating with the Philippine National Police to know what possible charges can be filed against them. They are putting the lives of people in danger," she said.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers in the metropolis have turned to biking as their primary mode of transportation.
Limited public transportation is currently available to strictly implement health protocols, such as social distancing.