Motorists warned against occupying bicycle lanes

MANILA: Motorists are being warned sternly by the JTF CV Shield (Joint Task Force COVID Shield) to avoid bicycle lanes at all costs, whether to pass through or park.

According to JTF CV Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, parking on bicycle lanes or getting on them to overtake is not only disrespectful to cyclists, it also puts their lives in danger.

“Just like drivers of trucks, buses, and private vehicles, bicycle riders also have the right to use the roads especially if they are already allowed to go through bicycle lanes that have already been designated by the local government units,” said Eleazar.

The PNP-HPG (Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group) and local police commanders have now been tasked to being clearing operations in areas designated as bicycle lanes and to ensure that they remain clear of vehicles and other obstructions.

“By using the bicycle lanes as parking spaces, bicycle riders are forced to shift to other lanes which put them at risk of being hit by vehicles behind them. The use of bicycles as a mode of transportation is already beginning to become popular. We call on the motorists to get used to this by starting to respect the intended users of bicycle lanes,” added Eleazar.

LGUs like Quezon City, Pasig City, and Taguig City have already designated bicycle lanes.

Last week, the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) designated a bicycle lane along the EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) with orange traffic cones.

“The national government, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases supports the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation. This is the reason why we welcome the decision of the LGUs to designate bicycles lanes in their areas of responsibility,” said Eleazar.

Also read: DOTr, MMDA to finish bicycle lanes this week

Photo courtesy of National Bicycle Organization