The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started installing bicycle racks at the LRT-1 and 2, MRT-3, and PNR transit lines to provide biker-commuters ease in transferring from one transportation mode to another.
In a statement on Wednesday, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade assured the cyclists of convenience in using bicycles as a mode of transportation while quarantine measures are being enforced.
“We will make this protected to ensure the safety of our cyclists. As a form of assistance to them, we have initially installed bike racks in various railway stations in Metro Manila. And this will definitely be replicated in other public transport terminals across the country,” the transport chief said.
The DOTr said that bicycle owners may park their bikes at the bike racks from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. only. However, they can claim their bicycles until the close of operations at 10 p.m.
The use of bike racks is free of charge for all train lines but cyclists have to bring their own padlocks.
At the LRT-1 line, bicycle racks have been installed at the Central, Libertad, and EDSA Taft stations and soon at the Baclaran station. The rail line also has bike racks at its depot for employees.
At the LRT-2, bicycle racks have been installed for use by cyclists at the Legarda station.
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is also setting up racks at the Pureza, V. Mapa, J. Ruiz, Gilmore, and Betty Go-Belmonte stations.
LRTA Deputy Administrator Paul Chua said bicycle racks will be available for the remaining stations of Line 2 within two weeks.
Meanwhile, MRT-3 management eyes the completion of the installation of 34 bike racks at its stations from North Avenue to Taft Avenue for both the northbound and southbound sides.
One bike rack can accommodate five bicycles.
The installation of the bike racks at the MRT-3 stations started on June 22, with its North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and GMA Kamuning stations now having one street-level bike rack each on the northbound side.
The managements of LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 reminded cyclists to refrain from leaving valuables while using the free bike racks at the stations.
Cyclists are also allowed to bring their folded bicycles inside the PNR train car with a fare from origin to destination equivalent to one person and subject to disinfection.